
ass. 



PRi:;sENTi:n r,Y 



-r- ' b 



/; 




DR. HARBAUGH AND DR. JOHNSTON. 



The History 



...OF... 



St. John's Reformed 
Church 



1858-1901 



Prepared kiy 



REV. HENRY Hi RANCK, Pastor 



LEBANON, PENN'A, 






Lebanon, Pa. 
Lebanon Daily Times Print 






AFFECTIONATELY 


INSCRIBED 




TO THE 








members of St, 


Jobn's 




Amongst 


Whom Two Busy 


AND Happy 


Years 


WERE SpENI 
Jvly 1, 1901. 


H. H 


. R. 



Jesus ! I live to Thee, 
The loveliest and best ; 

My life in Thee, Thy life in me, 
In Thy blest love I rest. 

Jesus ! I die to Thee, 

Whenever death shall come ; 
To die in Thee, is life to me. 

In my eternal home. 

Whether to live or die, 
I know not which is best ; 

To live in Thee, is bliss to me. 
To die is endless rest. 

Living or dying, Lord, 
I ask but to be Thine ; 

My life in Thee, Thy life in me 
Makes heaven forever mine. 



CONTENTS 



Chapter I. Introduction 7 

II. The Reformed Church in Lebanon and Vicinity 11 

III. Origin of the Movement 15 

IV. Incorporation 20 

V. Building the Church 29 

VI. Securing the First Pastor 40 

VII. The First Pastorate — Dr. Harbaugh 46 

VIII. The Second Pastorate — Dr. Johnston 71 

IX. The Third Pastorate — Rev. Resser 86 

X. The Fourth Pastorate — Rev. Johnson 109 

XI. The Fifth Pastorate — Rev. Rancls 115 

XII. The Sunday-school H^ 

XIII. The Societies 146 

XIV. Meeting the Current Expense 154 

XV. Worship 156 

XVI. The Benevolent Work of the Church 162 

XVII. Statistics 166 

XVIII. Church Officers 167 

XIX. Roll of Members 176 

XX. The Fortieth Anniversary 205 

Addresses : 

1. Anniversary Sermon 208 

2. Dr. Harbaugh u 215 

3. Dr. Johnston 226 

4. What the Reformed Church Stands For 235 

5. The Future of St. John's 244 

Index 247 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Dr. Harbaugh and Dr. Johnston Frontispiece 

St. John's Church Facing page 29 



Rev. Henry Harbaugh, D.D. . 

Rev. T. S. Johnston, D.D 

Rev. G. B. Resser , 

Interior of St. John's Church 

Rev. W. J. Johnson 

Rev. H. H. Ranek 



46 
71 
86 
91 
109 
115 



CHAPTER I. 

INTRODUCTION. 



o 



N the evening of October 6, 1899, a congrega- 
tional meeting of St. John's Church was held, 
and the pastor presented several proposi- 
tions which were unanimously approved. 
It was decided that the congregation should undertake 
to pay off the church debt by the following April, 
that the undertaking should culminate in the celebration 
of the 40th anniversary of the organization of the church, 
and that the history thereof should be prepared and pub- 
lished in that connection, along with the anniversary 
addresses of historical importance. The debt was can- 
celled and the 40th anniversary was celebrated. It was a 
season of great joy. The history, however, was yet to be 
completed. The pastor, unto whom, with the advice and 
supervision of the consistory, the task was delegated, 
found himself too busy, because of work on the church 
debt and preparation for the anniversary, even to under- 
take it aright by the time at first appointed for its com- 
pletion. It was the original intention to present the his- 
tory in brief compass ; but a cursory survey revealed the 
importance of doing the work on a more extended plan. 
It was not begun in earnest until November, 1900, but 
thereafter was prosecuted with increasing vigor until its 
completion. We were enjoined, moreover, by the Profes- 
sor of Church History in the Seminary at Lancaster *'to 
do it right,'' since it was undertaken, and to do this has 
been the high object of the effort. 

People are so busy in making history, engrossed with 
the present and with eyes fixed on the immediate future, 

7 



8 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

that they are apt to undervalue the careful recording and 
preserving of what is done; and after a hundred years 
have passed men only begin to realize the importance 
thereof, and then great effort is made to record it aright — 
often, alas, too late because of insufficient records. Con- 
jecture is then resorted to for filling in gaps and conclu- 
sions are often wide of the truth. How glad we would be 
for more complete information regarding ministers and 
congregations in the early period of the Reformed Church 
in our country. A hundred and fifty years hence the Re- 
formed Church will be just as anxious to know of the min- 
isters and diurches flourishing at the present day, as we 
are to know of the work of Michael Schlatter and his con- 
temporaries. 

Congregational histories are valuable contributions to 
denominational history. They give the living facts in the 
actual life of a local fellowship which throw light on the 
general movement of the time. The particular interest 
of a congregation's history, however, is for its member- 
ship. The members of today want to know and ought 
to know what their fathers did, their struggles and suc- 
cesses, that they may fully appreciate their heritage. Is 
there anything more worthy of being recorded regard- 
ing our fathers than their work in the church? Family 
histories are written, the public services of men are put 
on record, surely the activities of a congregation so cen- 
tral in the Christian's life, their meeting socially several 
times every week throughout the years, to hear and pray 
and work together, should be faithfully preserved and 
remembered. 

Without exaggeration, we may say that a special inter- 
est attaches to St. John's congregation of Lebanon, Pa. 
It was born in the heat of controversy in the Reformed 
Church, its makeup was exceptional, it had Dr. Har- 
baugh for its first pastor, and a distinguished successor 



Introduction. 9 

in Dr. Johnston. There are a number of interesting 
things which came to pass at Lebanon in connection 
with Dr. Harbaugh that need to be preserved. A reali- 
zation of this led us on to the work. Likewise regarding 
that big and generous soul, Dr. Johnston, no complete 
account ever appeared. 

Well was it that this task was not deferred a year long- 
er, else several sources of information would have been 
no more available. Dr. Hiester, whose address on Dr. 
Harbaugh, is a distinct contribution to the subject, died 
less than a year after the anniversary, and in many ways 
he helped us. Likewise, Rev. Geo. B. Resser was of 
great assistance and his best help came only a few weeks 
before his death. 

Considerable labor was involved in corresponding to 
secure information and in studying the records. At least 
a score of minute and record books of various kinds were 
examined. It is greatly to be regretted that they are not 
(more complete. Occasionally one discovers large gaps 
therein. Often over the summer season, for three and 
four months perhaps, there are no minutes of Consistory 
or Sunday-school. We know that sometimes facts of 
greatest import are not recorded or even mentioned. We 
fear that congregations are entirely too careless in the 
matter of preserving archives. The books become scat- 
tered and lost, no one being specially responsible for 
them. A good plan would be to have a safe for all these 
things with one key in the hands of a responsible cura- 
tor. Newspaper reports are very hurriedly made and 
hence not very accurate, and the records being imperfect, 
we were fortunate in having yet with us a number of 
persons who were very active in the founding of the 
church. They were frequently consulted, and whatever 
of completeness and value this book may have is due 
largely to them. Dealing with so many details, we may 



lo History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

hardly hope that it will be entirely free from errors, 
though we have earnestly striven to attain this. Our best 
judgment was exercised, under the continuous advice of 
the Consistory, in what should be published, and we 
have endeavored to omit nothing which, in keeping with 
our scope and purpose, should be included. The congre- 
gation was invited to help us to such facts as any had 
particular knowledge of, and personal and general inqui- 
ry was made wherever a clue was suggested. Hence if 
anything is omitted which did not confront us, therein 
we disclaim responsibility. Many interesting things re- 
garding the personnel of the congregation, one would 
wish to mention, but for obvious reasons this was not 
done. We have striven to be true to the facts and with 
unbiased mind to present this history sympathetically 
from the standpoint of the congregation. This history 
was begun from a sense of duty, the happenings of 
these two-score years were pursued with greatest inter- 
est, it proved an engaging and delightful task, and there- 
in we find our own abundant reward. 

We are under ©bligations to many persons for assis- 
tance of various kinds rendered. Several deserve spe- 
cial mention. Linn Harbaugh, Esq., kindly permitted 
the use of two cuts which appear in the "Life of Dr. 
Harbaugh" and a number of his father^s sermons and 
pamphlets which were of great help. The services oi 
Virginia Miller and Raymond L. Riegert in typewriting 
and of Virginia M. Seidle on the Roll of Members are 
thankfully acknowledged. We are indebted to Dr. 
Klopp's ''History of Tabor,'' Rev. Fisher's "History of St. 
Mark's," and Dr. Schmauk's "Old Salem in Lebanon," 
and most valuable help was received from the files of 
The Messenger in the Seminary Library at Lancaster, of 
The Courier at the office and at the home of Mr. Tobias 
Reinoehl, and of The Daily Times. 



CHAPTER II. 

THE REFORMED CHURCH IN LEBANON AND VICINITY. 



w 



E do not despise the rock whence we were hewn, 
the pit whence we were digged. In order also 
to get the proper historical setting for St. John's 
Church we need to know our local antecedent 
and contemporary Reformed history. We present this 
briefly. 

In the early part of the i8th century there was large 
migration of Germans to Pennsylvania. They were at 
first without pastoral oversight. About 1727 there arrived 
in the vicinity of what is now Lebanon, Conrad Temple- 
man, a tailor and schoolmaster, who afterward located at 
Templeman's Hill, near Rexmont. At the urgency of the 
Reformed people he consented to perform ministerial func- 
tions and was, on the recommendation of Michael Schlat- 
ter, who visited him in 1747, ordained in the year 1751. 
Templeman was the first minister of any denomination to 
appear in this region. About a year after his coming, a 
Lutheran minister, Rev. John Caspar Stoever, arrived in 
America, and some time afterward became Templeman's 
associate and co-laborer in the Gospel ministry. 

The original church in this Quitopahila Valley was the 
Hill Church, three and one-half miles west of Lebanon. 
It was built originally in 1733, and on August 12, 1744, 
was dedicated by the Reformed and Lutheran congrega- 
tions, who entered into an agreement regarding its use. 

About 10 years later, land was secured two miles south 
of Lebanon, on what is now the Brubaker farm, for an- 
other union place of worship, and this was called Grube 
Church. The French and Indian War was now in pro- 



12 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

gress, and no doubt the residents of this town had aversion 
to venturing into the country for fear of the Indians. 
Moreover, the Moravians had a church and frequent wor- 
ship at Hebron, a part of the settlement. Accordingly, in 
1760 both Reformed and Lutherans secured ground in 
Lebanon for the erecting of their respective churches. 
George Steitz, gentleman, the founder of the town, "well 
regarding the advancement of true religion and piety,^^ en 
June 10, 1760, conveyed by indenture, as a gift, to the 
Reformed people, who in the deed are spoken of as "the 
Dutch Presbyterian Congregation," a lot of ground 0.1 
what is now Walnut Street and Partridge Alley, for 
church and burial purposes. The yearly rent mentioned 
in the deed is "one red rose in the month of June forever, 
if lawfully demanded." A log structure was here built, 
and was dedicated July 18, 1762, as Tabor Church. Thii 
building was badly damaged by lightning in 1792, which 
necessitated the erection of a new church. The work 
was very soon undertaken, and on May 8, 1796, the preseni 
edifice, on Tenth Street, since several times enlarged and 
remodeled, was dedicated. Tabor Church for nearly a 
century and a half has been the chief centre of Reformed 
activity in this vicinity, and has been the prolific mother of 
several congregations. St. John's, of which we write, was 
the first offspring. 

The pastors of Tabor Church, after the pioneer services 
of Rev. Conrad Templeman in the vicinity from 1727 to 
1760, have been the following : 

Rev. Frederick Miller, 1762-1763. 
Rev. William Stoy, 1763-1768. 
Rev. John Conrad Bucher, 1768- 1780. 
Rev. John William Runkel, 1780- 1784. 
Rev. Andrew Lorenz, supply, 1785- 1786. 
Rev. LudwigLupp, 1786- 1798. 



The Reformed Church in Lebanon and Vicinity 13 

Rev. William Hiester, 1800-1828. 

Rev. Henry Kroh, 1828-1835. 

Rev. Henry Wagner, 183 5-1 851. 

Rev. F. W. Kremer, D.D., 1851-1889. 

Rev. D. E. Klopp, D.D., 1889-1898. 

Rev. E. S. Bromer, November 20, 1898 — date. 

Many of the members of Tabor Church were living in 
the country, four and five miles from the city, and amongst 
these was started a movement for the organization of a 
church at Bismarck. The corner-stone was laid July i, 
1877, and the organization effected December 28, 1879. 
The mother church contributed 86 members to this in- 
terest. Rev. A. J. Bachman has been pastor of this con- 
gregation from its organization. 

During the decade following 1880, the northern part of 
Lebanon grew rapidly and need was felt for a new con- 
gregation. In the U. B. Aid Building, on Ninth and Scull 
Streets, St. Mark's Mission Sunday-school was organized 
in March, 1885, with 65 members. It was felt at the 
beginning that a congregation should be the outcome of 
this effort, and a site was secured on Eighth and Mifflin 
Streets, where, on July 19, 1885, the corner-stone was laid, 
and on December 13, 1885, the chapel was dedicated. Rev, 
George B. Resser, of St. John's, preaching the sermon. 
On May 12, 1887, the congregation was formally organ- 
ized by the election of officers. There were 152 charter 
members, all of whom were dismissed from Tabor Church, 
save four, who were received from the Reformed Church 
at Jonestown. 

The first pastor was Rev. O. P. Steckel, who began his 
labors in June, 1887, continuing his ministrations until 
1892, when Rev. I. C. Fisher, the present pastor, began 
his work. This congregation, self-supporting from the 
start, has had exceptionally rapid growth, and has now one 



14 History of St, John's Reformed Church. 

of the most commodious churches to be found anywhere 
in the Reformed denomination. 

In 1888 an organization was effected at Templeman's 
Chapel, taking about 30 members from the mother church. 
This congregation has been served by Rev. Bachman. 

Grace Reformed Church, at Avon, organized November 
24, 1895, received at its inception 23 members from 
Mother Tabor, and 13 from other churches. Rev. H. J. 
Welker has been its pastor. 

Thus in four decades five new Reformed congregations 
have come forth from one. The three congregations in 
the City of Lebanon have together a membership of 1,461, 
according to the minutes of Synod for 1900. For the 
population of Lebanon, this is a large proportion of Re- 
formed people. Our city may accordingly be looked upon 
as one of the strongholds of the Reformed Church. It is 
our pleasant task to tell the 40-years' story of the second of 
these congregations, St. John's. 



CHAPTER III. 

ORIGIN OF THE MOVEMENT. 



L 



EBANON has been a German town, and in the 6th 
decade of the 19th century was a growing bor- 
jl^y ough of about 5,000 inhabitants. The speaking 
of EngHsh was becoming more and more preva- 
lent among the resident Lebanonians and new citizens 
were coming who spoke only English. The churches in 
this vicinity used originally the German language alone, 
but the rising generations have increasingly demanded 
English in the services of the sanctuary. 

Tabor Reformed Church was in the 50's a large and 
influential congregation. In her membership were a num- 
ber of people who could not speak German and a larger 
number who very much preferred exclusively English 
services. The evening services were all held in English, 
but only one service in the morning in four weeks was in 
the same language. For several years before the move- 
ment for the second congregation took shape there was a 
strong feeling on the part of some that a church using ex- 
clusively the English was needed and that this would be 
the outcome was beyond question. The first steps toward 
this end, however, were not taken until the early part cf 
1858, and then not with the avowed purpose of organizing 
a new congregation, but with a view of securing more ser- 
vices in English. 

Hill Church, with Tabor, then constituted the charge, of 
which Rev. F. W. Kremer was pastor. One Sunday 
morning in four weeks Tabor Church was closed and ser- 
vices were held at Hill Church. The first effort was to 
have the pastor relieved of the care of the additional con^ 

15 



i6 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

gregation. With this in view, the consistory in session 
April 12, 1858, resolved as follows : 

"That this consistory is fully convinced that our con- 
gregation should have the entire time of the pastor, so as 
to have the church open every two weeks in the morning 
for English service and every Sabbath evening, and there- 
fore earnestly recommend to the congregation to take suit- 
able measures to lay this matter in a Christian and friendly 
manner before the Hill Church with the view of having 
the proposed change consummated/^ 

A congregational meeting was held in the lecture room 
of the church May 8, 1858, of which Simeon Guilford was 
elected president, and John W. Mish, secretary. At the 
request of Mr. John Krause, the pastor stated the object 
of the meeting by presenting the recommendations of the 
consistory and urging the necessity and expediency of 
enforcing the same. An attempt was made to have a 
committee confer with the Hill congregation regarding 
the matter, but this was shown to be useless when Mr. 
John Heilman, who represented Hill Church, "in an im- 
pressive manner stated their utter and entire dissent to 
the proposed separation.^' 

The following action was then taken : 

"Whereas^ It is highly desirable that the present har- 
mony and welfare of the congregation should be con- 
tinued ; therefore, be it and it hereby is, 

"Resolved, That all that is desired at this time is to 
obtain the consent of the congregation to permit the Eng- 
lish part to worship in this church so that it will not inter- 
fere with the services of the German portion of the con- 
gregation, either in German or English, until a nezv church 
may be erected, giving them also the right to regulate the 
holding of the pews, in such manner as may be deemed ex- 
pedient and proper, for service in the English language. 



Origin of the Movement. 17 

and to effect such an organization as may be advisable/' 

This resolution clearly revealed the purpose of forming 
a new organization, and forthwith application was made, 
through Rev. Kremer, the pastor, to Lebanon Classis at its 
annual session in Strausstown, Berks County, May 15, 
1858, as follows : 

"To the Reverend Classis of Lebanon : 

^'Reverend and Dear Brethren : — Whereas, by the bless- 
ing and grace of God, the German Reformed congrega- 
tion in Lebanon has become too large tO' worship witli 
convenience and satisfaction in our church, and owing to 
the prevalence of the English language in the congregation 
and the community, a portion of the English members be- 
ing desirous of enjoying more English service, have con- 
cluded with the consent of the Venerable Classis to organ- 
ize themselves into an exclusively English congregation, 
with the view of erecting for themselves a church edifice 
as soon as the way may be open ; therefore, the undersigned 
would respectfully ask Classis on behalf of those whom 
they represent to grant them permission to organize a sepa- 
rate English congregation, under the Constitution and 
Synod of the German Reformed Church. 

"John W. Mish, Samuel P. Shours, 

"John W. Gloninger^ C. D. Gloninger_, 
"J. Krause, D. S. Raber. 

"Lebanon, May 12, 1858" 

The petition was granted. 

On May 22, 1858, an adjourned congregational meeting 
was held, with Jacob Smith, Sr., in the chair, and John W. 
Mish, secretary, Action was taken granting to those who 



1 8 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

would join the new movement the privilege of worshiping 
in the church at such times as would not in anywise inter- 
fere with the German and English service of the congre- 
gation, for the period of two years from the time of their 
distinctive organization. 

This distinctive organization was formally effected 
August 1 6 following, though in the meantime those 
interested met occasionally to plan for the work and 
committees were appointed to select a site for the new 
church and obtain drafts and estimates of expense for the 
same. The name adopted was "Saint John^s German 
Reformed Church of the Borough of Lebanon.'' Officers 
were elected to serve in the new organization until others 
should be elected. 

Trustees — John Krause, Simeon Guilford, William 
Shirk, George Lineaweaver, Dr. C. D. Gloninger. 

Elders — Samuel P. Shours, John W. Mish, Peter L. 
Stouch. 

Deacons — David S. Raber, William M. Major, Samuel 
T. McAdam, J. Aaron Walter. 

Building Committee — John W. Killinger, Samuel P. 
Shours, Elias Raber, William Shirk, John W. Mish, Dr. 
C. D. Gloninger, P. L. Stouch. 

Committee to Apply for Charter — John W. Killinger, 
John W. Mish, Elias Raber, Dr. William M. Guilford, 
Philip Fisher. 

Committee to Prepare Charter — Rev. F. W. Kremer, 
John Krause, Dr. John W. Gloninger, Samuel P. Shours. 

Treasurer — John Krause. 

These committees and bodies were empowered to fill all 
vacancies occasioned by death, resignation, or otherwise, 
during the construction and completion of the church until 



Origin of the Movement. 19 

the congregation should be properly organized under a 
pastor. Over two years passed before this came to be. 
During that period, anxious and expectant hearts viewed 
the gradual realization of hopes in the building of the 
handsome sandstone edifice which should be the future 
home of the congregation. The new organization did not 
hold divine services independent of Tabor congregation 
during this period as was granted them by the resolution 
of May 22, 1858, but continued individually to worship 
with the old congregation as before. Beyond the officers 
and committeemen of the new organization, it was not for- 
mally announced who should become members thereof, 
though there was a mutual understanding as to who they 
should be, and at the homes of these families meetings 
were held from time to time to discuss the work in pro- 
gress and lay plans for its future success. A number of 
persons were very active and liberal, but the leading spirit 
in the movement from the start was Dr. J. W. Gloninger. 
His interest therein was intense, he spared no pains upon 
it, and gave munificently to the project. 



CHAPTER IV. 

INCORPORATION. 

f f^ |EFORE purchasing a site for the new church the 
I 13 J congregation was legally incorporated, so as to 
^^1^3 transact business with perfect confidence. The 
corporation was created by order of the court of 
Lebanon county, November 9, 1858, and the charter as 
applied for was granted. It was drawn up by J. B. 
Hiester, scrivener, who as a member of Tabor Church 
was interested in the new movement. 

CHARTER OF INCORPORATION. 

That the members of the Second German Reformed 
Church of the Borough of Lebanon and its vicinity be 
and the same are hereby created and erected into one 
body politic and corporate in deed and in law, by the 
name, style and title of "Saint John's German Reformed 
Congregation of the Borough of Lebanon, and its vicin- 
ity," and by the same name shall have perpetual succes- 
sion, and be able to sue and be sued, plead and be im- 
pleaded in all Courts of law and elsewhere, and shall be 
able and capable in law and in equity, to take, purchase, 
hold and receive, to them and their successors in trust for 
and to the use of the said congregation, lands, tenements, 
goods, and chattels, of whatsoever kind, nature or qual- 
ity, real, personal or mixed, which are now, or shall or may 
at any time hereafter become the property of the said con- 
gregation, or body corporate, by purchase, gift, grant, 
bargain, sale, conveyance, devise, bequest or otherwise, 
from any person or persons whomsoever, capable of mak- 
ing the same, and the same to grant, bargain, sell, im- 

20 



Incorporation. 21 

prove or dispose of for the use of the said congregation 
as may be directed by a majority of such persons, as are 
qualified to vote by the fourth section of this act, that may 
be present at a meeting to be held for that purpose, and 
generally adopt all such matters and things, as may be 
lawful to be done for the well-being and due management 
of the said church and congregation, of which said meet- 
ing, at least two weeks' notice shall be given from tne 
pulpit, or in any public manner the trustees, or a major- 
ity of them shall direct : Provided, That the yearly value 
or income of the said estates shall not at any time ex- 
ceed three thousand dollars. 

Section 2. The business of the said congregation 
shall be conducted by five trustees, of whom three shall 
be a quorum, who shall choose from among their number 
a president and a secretary, and appoint a treasurer, who 
shall receive and account for all moneys coming into his 
hands, belonging to the corporation, and who shall, if 
required by the trustees, give security for the faithful 
performance of the trust reposed in him, and shall have 
his accounts anually settled by the trustees, to be laid be- 
fore and approved of by the congregation at their an- 
nual election of trustees, and may appoint such other of- 
ficers as the said trustees or a majority of them may 
from time to time deem necessary for the better govern- 
ment of the secular affairs of the said congregation; but 
no compensation shall be allowed to such officers unless 
sanctioned by a majority of the members of the congre- 
gation entitled to vote, agreeably to the fourth section of 
this act, present at a meeting thereof. 

Section 3. The following named persons shall be 
trustees until others are or shall be elected as is hereinaf- 
ter provided, viz. : John Krause, Simeon Guilford, George 
Lineaweaver, William Shirk, and Cyrus D. Gloninger, 
to continue in office until the first day of January, Anno 



2.2. History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty, on which 
day, except when it occurs on the Sabbath, and then on 
the succeeding day, the male members of the said con- 
gregation, quahfied to vote by the fourth section of this 
act, shall elect five persons to serve as trustees, one of 
whom shall serve five years, one four years, one three 
years, one two years, and one for one year; the term of 
service to be designated by the electors on their ballots, 
and their places respectively shall be supplied at the an- 
nual election to be held for that purpose, on that day in 
every year thereafter, by the election of one person to 
serve for five years : Provided, No person shall be eligible 
as a trustee unless he is a citizen of this Commonwealth 
and a member of the German Reformed Church by con- 
firmation, according to the constitution of the Synod of 
the German Reformed Church in the United States, or by 
having been publicly admitted to membership, and who 
shall have paid his contribution towards the discharge of 
the annual expenses of the congregation according to his 
ability, within one year; and Provided, further. If the con- 
gregation neglect on the day of the annual election lo 
hold their election as is herein directed, the said corpora- 
tion shall not be dissolved, but a majority of the trustees 
remaining in office may appoint any subsequent time, not 
exceeding one month, at which the election may be held 
to supply said vacancies, or such as may occur by death 
or otherwise, the time and place of which, at least two 
weeks' notice to the congregation shall be given, by an- 
nouncement from the pulpit, or in any other public man- 
ner a majority of the remaining trustees may direct : And, 
Provided further, In case the trustees shall neglect or re- 
fuse to call meetings, or hold elections as directed in this 
act, then ten members entitled to vote, agreeably to the 
fourth section of this act, may call such meetings for the 
transaction of business stated, or for the purpose of hold- 



Incorporation. 23 

ing such elections, by giving two weeks' notice of ttie 
time and place thereof, except in the dismissal of the pas- 
tor or any officer, when twenty members by confirmation 
according to the constitution of the Synod of the German 
Reformed Church in the United States, or by having been 
publicly admitted to membership, and Vv^ho shall have res- 
pectively contributed tovv-ards the discharge of the annual 
expenses of the congregation, according to their ability, 
within one year, shall be necessary to call a meeting for 
that purpose. 

Section 4. Any male member of the said congrega- 
tion according to the constitution of the Synod of the 
German Reformed Church in the United States or by 
having been publicly admitted to membership, or any con- 
tributing member, who is not a member of another con- 
gregation, who shall have paid towards the discharge of 
the yearly expenses of the congregation according to his 
ability, within one year, and no others, shall be entitled ^o 
vote at the elections or meetings of the said congregation ; 
of all which elections at least two vvceks' notice shall be 
given by announcement from the pulpit, or in any other 
public manner a majority of the trustees may direct, 
except such meetings or elections as are otherwise pro- 
vided for in this act. 

Section 5. The Consistory shall be composed of the 
Pastor, for the time being, four elders and four deacons, 
of whom two elders and two deacons to serve two years 
shall be elected at the annual election to be held by the 
corporation on the first day of January, in every year, 
except when it occurs on the Sabbath, and then on the suc- 
ceeding day, and of whom five shall be a quorum who 
shall choose from among their number a president and a 
secretary: Provided, That in case of vacancy by death 
or otherwise, among the elders or deacons, a majority of 
the male members of the congregation present at a meet- 



24 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

ing to be convened for the purpose by the trustees agree- 
ably to the fourth section of this act, may elect a person 
or persons to supply the same until the next election : Pro- 
vided, further. That no one shall be elected an elder or 
deacon who is not a confirmed member of the German 
Reformed Church, or who has not been publicly admitted 
to membership ; and such members only as are qualified to 
vote for pastor agreeably to the sixth section of this act, 
shall be entitled to vote for elders and deacons. 

Section 6. The Pastor of the congregation^ who must 
be a member of the Synod of the German Reformed 
Church in the United States, shall be invited by the Con- 
sistory, or a majority of them, or upon their neglect or 
refusal, by a majority of the male members qualified to 
vote for Pastor, who may be present at a meeting held for 
that purpose, notice of the time and place of which, not 
exceeding two weeks, shall be given ; and the pastor shall 
be elected by a majority of the male members by confir- 
mation according to the constitution of the Synod of the 
German Reformed Church in the United States, or by 
having been publicly admitted to membership, and who 
shall have respectively contributed, within one year, ac- 
cording to their ability, towards the annual expenses of 
the congregation, and may be present at a meeting to be 
held for that purpose, after two weeks' notice given as di- 
rected in the fourth section of this act : and it is provided, 
that the Bible and Heidelberg Catechism, or an extract 
from it authorized by the Synod of the German Reformed 
Church in the United States, shall be used by the Pastor 
in the instruction of the youth. 

Section 7. The Pastor of the congregation or any 
officer thereof may be discharged from his office by a ma- 
jority of the male members by confirmation according to 
the constitution of the Synod of the German Reformed 
Church in the United States, or by having been publicly 



Incorporation. 25 

admitted to membership, and who shall have respectively 
contributed, within one year, according to their ability, 
towards the annual expenses of the congregation, and 
may be present at a meeting to be held for that purpose, 
and to be called by the Consistory upon the written re- 
quest, stating the object and design to be for that pur- 
pose, of twenty members qualified as aforesaid ; at which 
meeting the vote shall be taken by ballot, by three mem- 
bers appointed by the members present entitled to vote, 
and two weeks' notice of the time and place of said meet- 
ing shall be given by announcement from the pulpit, or in 
any other public manner : 

Provided, In case of absence or neglect, or refusal of 
the Consistory to call such meeting, then twenty members 
qualified as aforesaid, shall have the right to call the 
same, giving at least two weeks' public notice thereof. 

Section 8. The said Consistory or their successors or 
a majority of them shall have power at all times to adopt, 
alter, amend and enforce such rules for the discipline of 
members of the congregation as shall be sanctioned by 
two-thirds of the members present at a meeting to be held, 
of which two weeks' notice shall be given, agreeably to 
the directions of the fourth section of this act : Provided, 
That nothing contained in this act shall be construed as 
to prevent the said Consistory, or their successors from 
expelling any member, according to the constitution of 
the Synod of the German Reformed Church in the United 
States, and by such expulsion depriving him or her of all 
rights and privileges hereby granted. 

Section 9. The said trustees and their successors, or 
a majority of them shall have full power to enact and en- 
force such by-laws and ordinances for their own govern- 
ment and for the regulation and transaction of the secu- 
lar business of said corporation as shall be sanctioned by 
a majority of the members of the congregation, present 



2.6 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

at a meeting to be held agreeably to the directions of the 
fourth section of this act, and to make, use and have a 
common seal, and the same to break, alter and renew at 
pleasure, and shall have power also to change the time of 
holding the general election if the same shall be deemed 
advisable by a majority of the members qualified to vote 
present at a meeting convened agreeably to the directions 
of the fourth section of this act : Provided, That the said 
trustees or their successors shall not contract any debt or 
debts exceeding twenty dollars, or in any wise encumber 
the real estate belonging to the congregation, without the 
consent of a majority of the male members thereof enti- 
tled to vote as aforesaid, at a meeting to be convened for 
the purpose by the trustees or a majority of them, of the 
time and place of which at least two weeks' notice shall be 
given by announcement from the pulpit, or in any other 
public manner : Provided, further. That the said rules and 
by-laws and ordinances and all acts of the said trustees 
framed, enacted and promulgated shall not be contrary 
to this charter, nor to the constitution and laws of this 
Commonwealth or of the United States. 

The seal for the corporation as provided for by the 
charter was adopted by the Board of Trustees, April 2, 
1 86 1. It has the device of three heads to represent the 
three cardinal Christian Graces — Faith, Hope, and 
Charity. 

AMENDING THE CHARTER. 

As early as 1866 the congregation discussed the ques- 
tion of amending the charter. Committees were ap- 
pointed to investigate and report, but nothing definite 
was done imtil February 19, 1883, when a committee, 
consisting of J. W. Killinger, J. W. Mish and John Meily, 
Jr., presented a series of amendments, the first of which 
having reference to the name of the corporation and to 



Incorporation. 27 

striking out the word "German" therein, was adopted. 
The whole matter was then postponed, but the court was 
never petitioned to grant even this amendment on which 
favorable action was taken. During the interim between 
the third and fourth pastorates, petition was made for 
several important amendments, which were granted by 
the court December 7, 1891. 

APPLICATION FOR AMENDMENTS. 

To the Honorable the Judges of the Court of Common 
Pleas of Lebanon County : 

The petition of Saint John's German Reformed Con- 
gregation of the Borough of Lebanon and its vicinity, 
respectfully represents : 

That it was chartered under the aforesaid title by your 
Honorable Court on, to wit, November 9, 1858, for the 
support of public worship, as a congregation of the Ger- 
man Reformed Church, as by its charter will more fully 
appear. That it is desirous of amending its said charter 
in the following particulars, viz : 

1. That the word "male" be stricken out of the said 
charter wherever it occurs in defining membership in 
said congregation or corporation. This amendment be- 
ing adopted by said congregation at its regular quarterly 
meeting held, to wit, July i, 189 1. 

2. That Section 2 of the charter be amended by strik- 
ing out the words "five trustees," and inserting in place 
thereof the words "three trustees." 

3. That Section 3 of the charter be amended by strik- 
ing out the words "shall elect five persons to serve as 
trustees, one of whom shall serve five years, one four 
years, one three years, one two years, one, one year," and 
inserting in place thereof the words "shall elect three 
persons to serve as trustees, and if at any time it be nec- 
essary to elect more than one trustee in order that the 



28 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

full number of three trustees be maintained, the terms of 
the trustees to be elected shall be designated upon the 
ballots for one, two or three years, as the case may be, in 
such manner that at each annual election the term of one 
trustee, being one-third of the whole number, shall expire, 
and that his successor may then be elected to serve for 
three years. Each trustee shall serve for the term of 
three years, or for such shorter term as may be necessar) 
in order that the term of one trustee may terminate at 
each annual election, and that one trustee may then be 
elected to serve for three years/^ 

4. That Section 3 of said charter be amended by strik- 
ing out the words ''by the election of one person to serve 
for five years," and by inserting the following words, 
"That no election for trustee be held until the present 
number be reduced to three trustees, and until the election 
of a successor to one of the three be necessary/^ 

These amendments being adopted by said congregation 
at its regular quarterly meeting held, to wit, October 7, 
1891: 

Wherefore the said congregation, the corporation af 01 e- 
said, prays that said amendments may be approved, and 
that upon compliance with the provisions of the Act of 
Assembly in such case made and provided, that the same 
may be deemed and taken to be a part of its charter. 

In the meetings of the congregation the question of 
having a Constitution and By-Laws was frequently dis- 
cussed, but they were never secured. 




ST. JOHN'S CHURCH. 



CHAPTER V. 

BUILDING THE CHURCH. 

BHE first formally announced meeting of those 
only, who were desirous of forming a new con- 
gregation, met in the lecture room of Tabor 
Church, June 2, 1858. John Krause was elected 
President and John W. Mish Secretary. Two commit- 
tees were appointed, one to select a site for a new church, 
the other to procure draft and estimate of the probable 
expense of the building. On the former committee were 
Dr. J. W. Gloninger, John Krause, J. W. Killinger and 
S. P. Shours; on the latter, J. W. Mish, Dr. C. D. Glon- 
inger, S. P. Shours and Dr. W. M. Guilford. 

The site recommended by the committee and selected 
by the congregation was that known as the Judith Uhler 
lot, corner of Water, now Willow street and Partridge 
alley, and owned by Wm. Shirk. This location was 
west of the centre of population, but was on that account 
thought particularly desirable because it was generally 
supposed that the town would grow in that direction. 
This lot, with a front on Willow street of 99 feet and 
a depth of 132 feet, with the log house upon it, were 
deeded by Wm. and Mary Shirk to the Board of Trustees 
in the name of St. John's congregation on April 2, 1859, 
for the sum of $2,200, ^'subject to the payment of the 
ground rent (if any) that may hereafter become due 
thereon." The transfer was made in the presence oi 
James Shantz and Samuel Hauck, witnesses, and pay- 
ment in full was made by the Trustees on the same day. 
Ground rent was occasionally paid. The last discov- 
erable notice of such a transaction is a receipt, dated 

29 



30 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

January i, 1883, of ''sixty-eight cents for one year's 
ground rent from January i, 1882, to January i, 1883, 
on lot No. 98/^ signed ''Susan Rooker, per J. W. Hauer." 
No time was now lost in beginning the building of the 
church. The old log house was torn down and excava- 
tion for the foundations and cellar were begun. In fact 
two cellars were dug, one at the north end, the other 
at the south end and not communicating. That this 
work proceeded rapidly is clear from the fact that the 
foundation walls were built and the girders and joists for 
the first floor were laid by May 21, 1859, when the cor- 
ner-stone laying service was held. Shortly before this 
John Meily succeeded P. L. Stouch on the Building 
Committee and was the secretary through its period of 
service. Rev. Kremer evidently was not aware of this 
fact when he prepared his paper. 

CORNER-STONE LAID. 

On the Saturday morning appointed at 10 o'clock this 
interesting service began in Tabor Church. Rev. J. H. 
A. Bomberger, D.D., preached the sermon in English; 
an address followed in German by Rev. Henry Hai- 
baugh, D.D. After the services in the church, the people 
passed in procession to the fovmdations of the new 
church. Boards were laid upon the joists, thus forming 
a platform on which rough seats were improvised. This 
with the ground around the walls was crowded with the 
large concourse of people who assembled from the town 
andsurroundingcountry. The corner-stone layingservices 
were conducted by Rev. F. W. Kremer, pastor of the old 
congregation. They were partly from the Liturgy and 
partly extemporaneous. Dr. Harbaugh delivered an 
address in English which is said by those who recall it 
to have been wonderfully beautiful and forceful. The 
corner-stone in which the various articles were deposited 



Building the Church. 31 

is the well-dressed white sandstone on the base course at 
the southeast corner of the church. 



The following paper was read : 

Lebanon, Pa., May 20, A. D. 1859. 

Thi» paper, prepared by the pastor. Rev. F. W. Kremer, 
at the instance of the Building Committee, and approved 
by them, will be deposited in the corner-stone of this 
church. Inasmuch as the laying of this corner-stone 
marks an important epoch in the history of the German 
Reformed Church in Lebanon, it is deemed important, as 
it is in every way meet and proper, to detail the cir- 
cumstances under which the building of a second German 
Reformed Church was conceived and determined upon. 

It is understood by all that this enterprise is the result 
of a necessity, and not of disaffection. The congrega- 
tion has never been more united and harmonious. 

The following may be noted as the chief causes which 
rendered necessary the erection of a second church. 

First. — With the present arrangement of having ser- 
vices twice a month in the morning in the German lan- 
guage, and once a month at the Hill Church, we can 
have but once a month English service in the morning in 
four weeks, the other English services having to be 
held at night. With this arrangement the wants of the 
English portion are by no means met, and the interests 
of the congregation are, therefore, not properly provided 
for. 

Second. — As the English portion of the congregation 
sit in families very considerable inconvenience has been 
experienced in furnishing pews for all who have applied, 
and some families are without pews to this day. 

Third. — The Senior Sabbath-school room is, and has 
been for some time crowded, and hence the necessity of 



32 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

providing additional accommodations for the children of 
the church. 

Fourth. — To render the necessity of a second church 
still more apparent, it may be stated that there are in 
connection with the congregation at least eight hundred 
confirmed, and seven hundred baptized, but not yet con- 
firmed members, including in this latter number all the 
baptized children of the congregation. There were ad- 
mitted to full communion with the congregation during 
the last eight years, which closed on the first of April 
last, four hundred and sixty-three persons, averaging 
about fifty-eight per year. From the present prosperous 
condition of the congregation, there is reason to expect 
with the favor and blessing of God, a continued growth, 
and even in an increasing ratio. 

Accordingly with our present large membership, our 
want of accommodations for the congregation and the 
Sabbath-school, together with our imperfect supply of 
English service, it is easy to see that in but a very few 
years hence, the necessity of a second church would be- 
come still more pressing and imperative, whilst at the 
same time a few years delay could not but prove more or 
less disastrous to the interest of our church in this place. 

The necessity of a second church has been felt, and was 
frequently the subject of earnest conversation by the pas- 
tor and many of the members for several years. A little 
more than a year ago several preliminary meetings were 
held with a view of taking initiative measures for the 
purpose of organizing a new congregation with membeis 
of the first church and erecting a church edifice for ex- 
clusively English services. These efforts were crowned 
with success. In the month of May, A. D. 1858, John 
W. Gloninger, John Krause, J. W. Mish, C. D. Gloninger, 
S. P. Showers and D. S. Raber made to Lebanon Classis, 
on behalf of the English interest, application for permis- 



Building the Church. 33 

sion to organize themselves into an English congregation 
under the constitution and discipline of the German Re- 
formed Church. This application was cheerfully grant- 
ed by a unanimous vote of Classis. Subsequently, a 
temporary organization was effected, a charter obtained, 
and this lot purchased from William Shirk, Esq., for the 
sum of $2,200.00, on which to erect a new church. By 
unanimous consent the church received the name, "St. 
John's German Reformed Church." 

In the erection of this church, we desire to be govern- 
ed by no other than holy evangelical principles, 
the glory of God, and the spiritual and eternal well being 
of immortal souls. We acknowledge the sacred Scrip- 
tures as the inspired Word of God, and the only perfect 
and authoritative rule of faith and practice. We regard 
also the Heidelberg Catechism as a faithful exponent of 
the divine oracles, and pledge to its pure evangelical doc- 
trines our undeviating fidelity, and shall by the grace of 
God, cordially adhere to the constitution and discipline 
of the Reformed Church, and earnestly hope and pray, 
that the day may never come, when those who shall wor- 
ship in this temple we are about erecting, shall deviate 
from the beautiful order and evangelical doctrines, to 
which we have pledged undying allegiance. And now 
we would humbly and fervently invoke on behalf of the 
work in which we are engaged the guardianship and 
blessing of the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Ghosl. 

The following are the articles that will be deposited 
in this corner-stone : 

1. A copy of the Holy Bible. 

2. A copy of the Heidelberg Catechism with constitu- 
tion and discipline. 

3. A copy of the English Hymn Book of our Church. 

4. A copy of the German Reformed Messenger. 

5. A copy of the Reformed Kerchenzeitimg. 



34 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

6. A copy of the Mercersburg Quarterly Review. 

7. A copy of the Western Missionary of our Church. 

8. A copy of the Pastor's Helper. 

9. A copy of the Hirten Stimnie, an EiigUsh Sabbath- 
school paper. 

10. Our town papers, Courier, Advertiser, Wahra 
Demokrat and Lebanon Democrat. 

11. Catalogue of Franklin and Marshall College. 
This corner-stone is laid on the 21st day of May, A. D. 

1859, ^^'^^ the 83d year of American Independence. His 
Excellency, James Buchanan, being President of the Unit- 
ed States, and his Excellency, William F. Packer, Gover- 
nor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

The follov/ing are the officers of the church and the 
ministers present : 

Building Committee. — Elias Raber, president; John 
W. Mish, John W. Killinger, Samuel P. Showers, C. D. 
Gloninger, Wm. Sherk, P. L. Stouch. ^ 

Trustees. — Simeon Guilford, president; C. D. Glon- 
inger, secretary ; John Krause, treasurer ; George Linea- 
weaver, Sr., William Sherk. 

Consistory. — Elders, Samuel P. Showers, John W. 
Mish; Deacons, David S. Raber, William M. Major, J. 
Aaron Walter. 

Ministers Present. — F. W. Kremer, Henry Har- 
baugh, J. H. A. Bomberger. 

The Courier taking note of the corner-stone laying, 
tells us that the account read by Rev. Kremer was writ- 
ten on parchment, and that Rev. Wunderling, then tlie 
Moravian pastor in Lebanon, assisted in the services: 
also, that there were deposited in the corner-stone the 
names of the architect, the contractors, the masons, the 
carpenter, and the donor of the sandstone. 

In the Messenger of June 8, 1859, "^ detailed account 
of all these services is given by Dr. Harbaugh with the 



Building the Church. 35 

modest omission of his own address at the ground. Be- 
sides the articles referred to in Dr. Kremer^s paper as 
being deposited in the stone, Dr. Harbaugh mentions the 
Lcemuicrhirte and the Liturgy of the German Reformed 
Church, and then proceeds with a kindly criticism which 
it will be interesting to note, because he became first pas- 
tor of St. John's, and as characteristic of his views touch- 
ing other questions then claiming the attention of the 
Church : 

''After these were deposited, the corner-stone was laid 
— that is, the remaining services were continued and con- 
cluded. We looked for the mortar, mason, plumb, trowel 
and square, but found that no matter of that kind was at 
hand. We do not find fault, far from it. Perhaps the 
real bona fide laying of the stone does not truly belong to 
a corner-stone laying solemnity; but we believe it does, 
and it always seems to us that something is wanting when 
it is not done. We have always done it, and if it is not to 
be done we should like to be instructed on this point for 
future practice. We may say the spirit is enough with- 
out the form. Well then the same thing will apply to all 
ordinances — then the sacraments, confirmation, mar- 
riage, prayer, etc., need not the forms when the spirit is 
present. Thus the Quakers are right. To us it seems 
that embodied beings need tangible ordinances and tan- 
gible forms in worship — a ministry of the body as well as 
of the spirit. Hence there is something in us which in 
a corner-stone laying calls for reality — mason and mortar, 
hammer and square. We hope these thoughts of ours 
may not be taken amiss by the brethren of Lebanon, as it 
is not in the least designed to find fault when we saw so 
much to praise and rejoice over; our object is rather to 
suggest this matter to the consideration of the reader. 

"The spirit of the Lebanon pastor and his people in 
this enterprise is much to be commended. The old con- 



36 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

gregation having grown too large for one man and one 
building, they send out a swarm to begin a new enter- 
prise. All this is done in the most amicable way, pastor 
and people working together to the same end. The Lord 
establish upon them the work of their hands.^^ 

During the summer of 1859, the building of the church 
went rapidly forward. It was under roof when winter 
opened. Owing to a dearth of funds it was thought un- 
wise to continue during the winter months. Accordingly 
the windows and doors were boarded shut until the open- 
ing of the spring of i860, when the work was again re- 
sumed and hastily brought to completion. The church 
was consecrated October 18, i860. 

It was the original intention of those interested that the 
edifice should be built of limestone. Mr. Robert W. 
Coleman very generously agreed to furnish sandstone for 
the same, and convey them on the Cornwall railroad from 
Cornwall to Lebanon, gratuitously. The offer was ac- 
cepted, but it made the building in the end very expen- 
sive, because of the great labor involved in quarrying, 
loading, hauling and dressing the stone. It made the 
building also very substantial and beautiful, which abun- 
dantly compensates for the extra effort and expense in- 
volved. Both the brown and white sandstone were taken 
off the hills between Cornwall and what is now Mt. Gret- 
na Park, and then hauled to the station. They were un- 
loaded from the railroad at Donaghmore. 

Three sides of the church are of this brown sandstone, 
rough hewn, the inner part being limestone. The rear wall 
is of limestone. The conspicuous corners and tower are of 
the white sandstone, dressed. The fine grade well-dressed 
brown sandstone used in the base-course, steps, window 
sills, front arches, etc., came from the Hummelstown quar- 
ries. When the church was built it was the largest in Leb- 
anon county, 97 feet by 61 feet, the audience chamber 51 
by 67 J. The steeple, at the church's completion crown- 



Building the Church. 37 

ed with two gilt copper spheres, tlie smaller above the 
larger, and an arrow vane between, was 179 feet high. 
An inclined plane, supported by scaffolding, was built on 
the east side of the church. On this, by means of wheel- 
barrows, the workmen brought the stone to the rising- 
walls. At the completion of the walls, this scaffolding- 
reached a half square to Ninth street. All the limestone 
used which were not quarried from the cellar were gotten 
from the quarries near the springs on the Gloninger farm, 
and were donated by Dr. J. W. Gloninger. The immense 
labor involved in building the walls can be gathered from 
the cost of different parts of the work. $1,453.87 was 
paid for quarrying stone, $305.52 for cutting stone. The 
master mason, Andrew Steiner, of Myerstown, received 
$2,212.28 for his work. The entire bill for hauling of all 
material, most, of course, stone, was $1,642.58. The fine 
grades of sandstone, which were purchased, cost $590.38. 
Like the walls of the continental cathedrals, these were 
built to stand, not for a few generations merely, but for 
centuries. 

As in the order of Providence, those who recall the 
original appearance and arrangements of the interior of 
the church are inevitably decreasing, it may be well for 
the benefit of future generations to note a few of the fur- 
nishings and their original cost. The general style of 
architecture was Romanesque, and the architect, Mr. M. 
Button, of Philadelphia, received $97.91 for his services. 
The general shape of the windows was, of course, the 
same then as now. They cost $490.70. In the lecture 
room, as now, they were clear glass. In the vestibules 
and auditorium they were a dull reddish-brown burnt 
glass. Each window in the auditorium was made up of 
two sashes. In the upper sash, fitting into the arch, was a 
circle made up of panes of different colors. Above the 
pulpit recess was a square skylight which, proving inse- 
cure against rain, and painful to the eyes of auditors, was 



38 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

soon removed. The pews which were comfortably up- 
holstered in red, cost $484.58. They are now used by the 
Sunday-school. The audience room was covered with .an 
oak and crimson brussels carpet costing $357.90. The 
two heaters, one in each cellar, cost $317.80. The bill for 
gas fixtures was $377.02. There were no chandeliers. 
The lights were on the side, a bracket with three jets be- 
tween twO' windows. The pulpit furniture was plain, 
costing but $120. It consisted of a sofa and two chairs, 
the pulpit itself which stood not at the side of the plat- 
form but in the middle, and the altar which was between 
the pulpit and chancel railing. There was no lectern orig- 
inally. The approach to the pulpit was a perilous, steep, 
narrow winding stairway, suggesting that the way of a 
minister is hard. It began in the basement on the east 
side of the recess and terminated on the west side of the 
pulpit platform. The walls were plain white; there were 
plaster festoons at the apexes of the three front arches. 
On the ceiling was a handsome centrepiece. Over the 
front was the motto from St. John, *'God is Love," done 
in large letters by the skillful hand of Dr. B. F. Schneck. 
The gallery was the organ-loft, but the pipe organ was 
not secured until the second year of the first pastorate. 
The central entrance has since been changed. Originally 
it consisted of two difficult stairways, starting on the 
south side of the lower vestibule and then ascending to 
the upper vestibule in reverse order to the present ar- 
rangement. Two doors led from the basement to the 
central vestibule. The study, at first the present Primary 
room, was soon changed and became what is now the 
men^s Bible class room. It was comfortably furnished 
and used by the pastors until the parsonage was built. 
The roof was at first slated, but proving too flat for such 
a covering, was afterward tinned. 

The bell, valued at $500, came as a voluntary ofifering 
from the Kelker Brothers, of Harrisburg, who formerly 



Building the Church. 39 

lived in Lebanon. It was manufactured by the Menee- 
lys, of West Troy, N. Y., and weighs 1200 pounds. On 
one side is an inscription in large distinct letters, ''Do- 
nated by Rudolph F. Kelker, Immanuel M. Kelker and 
Henry A. Kelker, of Harrisburg, Pa., to St. John's Re- 
formed Church, of Lebanon, Pa., A. D. 1859.'' On the 
other side the scriptural quotation from I John 4:11, ''Be- 
loved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one an- 
other.^' The marble slab over the central entrance has 
informed the passer-by through these years that this is 
"St. John's Reformed Church, built A. D. 1859." 

On February i, 1862, the treasurer, John Krause, made 
a complete financial statement of the building operations 
from April, 1859, and his account was audited by Jacob 
Weidle, Simeon Guilford and J. W. Killinger. The en- 
tire cost to that date amounted to $20,262.14. Of this 
amount $12,468.60 was paid — $10,027.59 in cash, $2,441,- 
01 in construction — leaving an indebtedness of $7,793-54, 
against which was $1,590.75 in unpaid subscriptions. 

Three hundred and seventy-nine persons contributed 
in making up the subscription of $13,053.50, half of which 
was given by fifteen members of the church. The large 
number of subscribers indicates the wide-spread interest 
in the enterprise. Not only in the borough but also 
throughout the county persons were asked and were free 
and glad to give. During the Christmas holidays of i860, 
the ladies of the congregation held a fair in "Funck's new 
building/' now 833 Cumberland street, at which "hand- 
some and useful articles for ladies, gentlemen and chil- 
dren" were sold. From this was realized $701.59 for the 
church. 

For the ground, $2,200.00 was paid, the erection of 
the building cost $20,262.14, making the entire original 
cost of St. John's church property, $22,462.14. The debt 
of $7,793.54 encumbering the property in February, 1862, 
was all paid a year afterward, or at least provided for. 



w 



CHAPTER VI. 

SECURING THE FIRST PASTOR. 

HEN Dr. Harbaugh attended the corner-stone 
laying services in May, 1859, it was certainly far 
from his thought, that he should become the first 
pastor of St. John^s. Nor did the original mem- 
bers presume that such should be the fact, because few 
had seen or heard him before; though we may suppose 
that the thrilling address which he made at the founda- 
tions on that spring noon-day began to kindle hopes that 
his ministry might be secured for the infant organization. 

As the church approached completion in the summer 
of i860, the matter of calling a pastor began to claim 
attention. The officers elected two years before never 
having been ordained and installed, the organization was 
not complete for the calling of a pastor. At a congre- 
gational meeting held at the residence of J. W. Mish, 
Monday, September 3, i860, vacancies in the consistory 
were duly filled by election and on Sunday, September 
30, after the service in Tabor Church, the following per- 
sons were ordained and installed by Rev. F. W. Kremer 
as officers of St. John's Church: Elders — John Meily, 
Dr. W. M. Guilford and J. W. Mish; Deacons— J. A. 
Walter, W. M. Major, J. J. Blair and D. S. Raber. 
S. P. Shours, intending to leave for the West, though 
elected elder, was not ordained. 

Another congregational meeting was held at Mr. 
Mish's residence, September 7, i860. After considerable 
discussion it was ''Resolved, That we request Rev. Dr. 
H. Harbaugh to take the pastorship of this congregation, 
to which office he is hereby unanimously elected.'' 

40 



Securing the First Pastor. 41 

Having decided to^ dedicate the church in con- 
nection with the meeting of Synod at Lebanon in Oc- 
tober, and desiring that the installation of the first pas- 
tor should also be held in that connection, the consistory 
made haste to secure Dr. Harbaugh^s acceptance of the 
call. D. S. Raber, Dr. W. M. Guilford and John Meily 
were delegated a committee to visit Dr. Harbaugh in 
Lancaster with this in view. On the Sunday following, 
September 9, the committee drove to Lancaster, attended 
the evening service at the First Reformed Church, after 
which they stepped forward and asked for an interview 
on the morrow. Early next morning a conference was 
held with Dr. Harbaugh, the call was laid before him 
and a few weeks later came the letter of acceptance. 

''Lancaster, Pa., September 22, i860. 
"To the Consistory of St. John's Reformed Congrega- 
tion, Lebanon, Pa. 

"Dear Brethren : — The call to the pastorate of the 
St. John's Reformed congregation in Lebanon, dated 
September 7, i860, and presented to me in the name of 
the congregation by a committee a few days after, has 
received my prayerful and earnest consideration. I need 
not describe to you the solemn process through which 
my mind and heart have passed in consequence of it. 
The result is that I have concluded, in the name of God, 
to accept your call. I have already presented to the 
consistory of the congregation I have served during the 
last ten and a half years, my resignation. Henceforth, 
as long as God will, my heart and my labors shall be 
with you. Solemn ties are to be broken and solemn ones 
to be formed. Let us pray that the blessing of God may 
rest upon us, so that the new relation to be formed may 
be for God's glory, and for our highest good in this 



42 History of St. John^s Reformed Church. 

life, as well as contribute to our eternal salvation in the 
world to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
"Yours in Christ, 

''H. Harbaugh/' 

Dr. Harbaugh at this time was in the midst of his 
many literary labors and in order to give more time to 
those claims, a smaller charge w^as desirable. The pang 
of regret v/hich every minister feels in sundering the 
tender and precious relations with his flock was felt by 
Dr. Harbaugh with great keenness. He spoke his vale- 
dictory to the Lancaster congregation on October 14, in 
connection with the celebration of the Holy Communion. 
His discourse was based on Hebrevv^s 13:8, ''J^svis Christ 
the same yesterday, and today, and forever.^^ Touching 
his departure, he said, 'Ties that are here sundered are 
not really broken, but only suspended. True, when you 
return to this altar, you will receive the sacred emblems 
from other hands; but the glorious Christ and the grace 
will be the same. My pilgrim staff is at the door ! I go 
to stand at another altar — to minister to another people. 
I go to receive the little children for Christ at another 
font — to confirm the young for Christ at another chancel 
railing — to consecrate these elements at another altar — 
to preach Jesus and the resurrection from another pulpit 
— ^to pray at other family altars — and to bury the dead 
in other graves. I go to learn to love others — may God 
widen my heart to take them in, while it retains those 
that are already there. 

"Wide as earth and high as heaven is the covering of 
that tabernacle, under whose peaceful protection the 
whole fellowship of them that are truly in Christ fore- 
ever abide. 

"One family we dwell in Him, 
One Church above, beneath." 



Securing the First Pastor. 43 

In the Guardian for October, i860, appears a poem on 
"Leaving the Parsonage," beginning with these stanzas: 

"Our household goods are safely stown 
And some are on the way, 
The parsonage looks bleak and lone 
And desolate today. 
"In our new home are waiting friends 
And they'll be kind I know, 
A tear for those we leave behind, 
And — hasten, let us go." 
On Wednesday, October 10, i860, Dr. Harbaugh and 
family arrived in Lebanon. At Dr. Harbaugh's sug- 
gestion a few changes were made in the furnishings of 
the church in order to conform more fully to the churchly 
idea. Among them was the placing of a chancel ratl- 
ing which had not been contemplated by the architect. 
Thursday, October 18, i860, St. John's Reformed 
Church was solemnly dedicated to God. 

The following description is taken from the German 
Reformed Messenger of October 24, i860: 

ST. John's church. 

In response to an invitation from the building com- 
mittee of St. John's Reformed Congregation of Lebanon, 
the Synod attended the consecration of their new church 
on Thursday morning, at 10 o'clock. When the hour 
arrived the officers of Synod led off, followed by a long 
procession of delegates and advisory members of Synod, 
and proceeded to the new church. The large edifice was 
crowded, a considerable number having been obliged to 
occupy benches in the aisles. 

The dedicatory sermon was preached by the pastor- 
elect. Dr. H. Harbaugh, on Psalm 84: i, "How amiable 
are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts." The leading 
points of the discourse were: Churches ought to be 



44 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

beautiful places. The beautifying of churches is in 
accordance to the will of God. Blessed benefits will re- 
sult to the worshipers in beautiful churches. The ser- 
mon was a clear and practical discussion of the duty of 
beautiful sanctuaries. The law and rule in the Old 
Testament was that the best and most beautiful was 
given to the Lord. The halt, the maimed and the blind 
were legally unfit for sacrifice. Heathen nations gave 
their finest and most costly buildings to their gods. The 
most beautiful temple ever erected was built upon the 
express direction of God. If the temple of Solomon was 
ordered to be beautified in all its details, should not the 
same costly and tasteful embellishments be pleasing to 
the same God in Christian sanctuaries? The discourse 
was admirably suited for the occasion. St. John's 
Church is one of the finest, if not the finest, sacred edifice 
within our bounds. The interior of the church is chastely 
furnished and finished in a style that comports with the 
nature and design of a sanctuary. This beautiful and 
faultless specimen of church architecture is an ornament 
to this borough, as well as to our whole denomination. It 
is a lasting monument of the faith and enterprise of this 
new congregation. To give such a sanctuary to the Lord, 
solid and endurable enough to last for centuries, is an act 
for which these brethren cannot receive too much praise. 

At 3 o'clock in the afternoon of the same day a special 
meeting of Classis convened in the church and Dr. Har- 
baugh was duly received from Lancaster Classis. "On 
motion, St. John's Church, at Lebanon, was constituted 
a separate pastoral charge and as such received into con- 
nection with Classis." The call extended and accepted 
was duly confirmed and a committee of three were ap- 
pointed to conduct the installation — Rev. F. W. Kremer, 
Rev. H. Wagner, and Rev. C. F. McCauley. On the 
same evening at 7 o'clock the installation service was 



Securing the First Pastor. 45 

held in the presence of a 'Vast assembly," a well-trained 
choir of cultured voices, under the leadership of 
Theodore D. Fisher, taking a prominent part, re- 
sponding ''at intervals the solemn Amen." Rev. Wagner 
preached an instructive and appropriate sermon on 
I Thess. 5:12, 13, "And we beseech you, brethren, to 
know them which labor among you, and are over you in 
the Lord, and admonish you, and to esteem them very 
highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace 
among yourselves." Rev. Kremer presented the charge 
to the pastor-elect, and Rev. McCauley that to the con- 
gregation. Immediately before the act of installation 
the certificates of sixty-one persons were presented and 
announced. These thus became the charter members 
of the conp^rcgation. Fifty-six were received from Ta- 
bor Churcli; three from the First Reformed Church of 
Lancaster — Mrs. Mary Louisa Harbaugh, Mary O. A. 
Harbaugh and Mrs. Isabella K. Boger; one from Jones- 
town Reformed Church — Mrs. Louisa C. Shirk; one 
from Hill Church, Prof. Cyrus Boger. 

Thus was St. John's Church completely organized. It 
was a rare situation, the like of which was perhaps no- 
where ever seen in the German Reformed Church. On 
the one hand a company of earnest, eager, competent 
people, for the most part in the early prime of life, com- 
ing together as a congregation and ready to be mouldea 
by a leader who would command their devotion and re- 
spect ; on the other, the great commoner of the Reformed 
Church, renowned author, distinguished theologian, 
forceful preacher and mighty personality, taking in hand 
this fold in its nascent state of temper. Dr. Harbaugh 
was pastor of the congregation but a little over three 
years and of course left his indelible impress upon the 
congregation. It was a situation of great privilege, 
fraught with joy and benefit, yet not perhaps without its 
peril. 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE FIRST PASTORATE DR. HARBAUGH. 

October, 1860— December, 1863. 

HE excellent biography of Dr. Harbaugh by his 
son, which every member of St. John^s ought 
to have and read, renders it unnecessary for us 
to give more than the mere outline facts of his 
life. He was born near Waynesboro, October 28, 18 17, 
and passed his boyhood and youth on his father's farm. 
Having spent four years in Ohio in work, teaching and 
study, he came, in 1840, to Mercers burg, where three 
years were given to preparation for the gospel ministry. 
Twenty years were then spent in the active pastorate, at 
Lewisburg, Lancaster and Lebanon, and four years at 
Mercersburg as professor of Theology. He died there, 
December 28, 1867. It was a short life of but fifty years, 
but crowded with intense activity and useful service. 

When St. John's church was organized the liturgical 
controversy was waging, and Dr. Harbaugh was a great 
leader on the liturgical side. The membership of the new 
organization was generally in favor of churchly wor- 
ship and fell in at once with the teaching and leadership 
of Dr. Harbaugh. It was a happy relation. The Provi- 
sional Liturgy was adopted and used. The copy for use 
in the pulpit was the gift of Dr. J. H. A. Bomberger. 
The pulpit Bible was presented by the pastor of Tabor 
church. On the cover is this inscription in gilt: 

"St. John's Church, 

A 

Bond of Affection 

FROM THE 

Pastor of the First Church. 
F. W. Kremer." 

This Bible is now used by the Sunday-school. 
46 




/y^^/V^:^^ 



The First Pastorate — Dr. Harbaiigh. 47 

Dr. Harbaugh did not preach the first Sunday of his 
pastorate, October 21. Synod was continuing in session 
and in the morning Dr. J. W. Nevin preached "a truly 
instructive sermon in which he entered profoundly into 
the question, 'Why it was necessary for Christ to die and 
enter into his kingdom.^ '' Rev. Dr. Cook, of New York, 
preached in the evening from the 84th Psalm. 

The progress of the first year's work is presented in 
the first anniversary sermon, preached Sunday morning, 
October 20, 1861 : 

"One year ago we were brought together in the provi- 
dence of God, almost strangers to one another, and the 
solemn relation of pastor and people was made and rati- 
fied between us. If any one had suggested such an event 
but a few weeks before it took place, we would have set 
him down as a dreaming prophet. Surely it is not in 
man to direct his steps and still less is it in a minister to 
choose his charges ! It is due to the congregation by 
whose kindness and consideration this first year of my 
ministry has been made pleasant, to say that I have had 
no reason for a moment to regret the change which 
brought me into this interesting and hopeful field of la- 
bor. Whatever has been defective in my ministry has 
been charitably endured by you; and I have this confi- 
dence of faith, that the blood which washes away all sm 
will also atone for the faults and follies which attach to 
the ministry committed to me. 

"One year ago this beautiful church edifice was the 
centre of a singular cluster of anomalies. Here was a 
church building without a church — a consistory without 
a congregation — a pastor to be installed without any 
members to be installed over — pews without occupants — 
a choir gallery without choir or instruments — a Sunday- 
school room without teachers or children — book cases 
without books. In short, the entire shell of a home with- 
out a family. 



48 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

"It was evident, however, that there were earnest and 
anxious hearts looking towards this spot, to whom it was 
daily growing more sacred, and who had made up their 
minds that what was not yet, by the grace of God should 
shortly be. When the pastor asked for members to be in- 
stalled over, names were handed in. When the bell rang, 
people came. When the empty pews asked for occupants, 
families gathered in. When the hymns were announced, 
choral sounds greeted the ear and cheered the heart. 
When the doors of the Sunday-school were thrown open, 
there was heard the pleasant noise of little feet ; and when 
the doleful empty shelves of the library cases were looked 
into, it was said 'let there be books,' and books came. 

"Without commotion and without restraint, by some 
mysterious law of attraction, everything took its place 
and began to move in its order, 'while in stillness thus 
our little Zion rose.' 

"What has been accomplished during the first year of 
our existence can of course only be fully known in that 
great time of harvest unto which all our earthly labors 
continually grow. Yet in some degree we may judge of 
permanent results from indications of present progress 
and success. The first and most outward data are fur- 
nished by our statistics. These we shall first present. 

"This congregation was organized one year ago with 
61 adult members. To these have been added by confi:- 
mation 7, by certificate 33, making the number added 40. 

and the total number of members loi Died 

and dismissed 7; which leaves the congregation at pres- 
ent numbering 94 in full communion.'' 

Speaking of the Sunday-school, the pastor then quotes 
from the secretary's last quarterly report : " 'At the open- 
ing of our Sunday-school, less than a year ago, we num- 
bered 87, officers, teachers and scholars. We now num- 
ber 117. We had not a single volume on the shelves of 



The First Pastorate — Dr. Harbaugh. 49 

our book cases — not a Bible or a New Testament. We 
have now Bibles and Testaments as many as we need; 
Catechisms for each scholar, and a monthly paper to give, 
to every one in the school room. We have 431 volume? 
of instructive and interesting books — have become pub- 
lishers of a hymn-book of our own, and our treasury is 
still in funds.' " 

*'So far, then, as statistics are to be trusted, as expo- 
nents of progress, we have not been stationary, but have 
made very comfortable advance. There is, however, some- 
thing higher and better than statistics, — the spirit and life 
of the congregation which has made these statistics what 
they are. Fully 104 sermons and 52 shorter week-day 
lectures have been delivered ; for if there have been some 
omissions of regular services, these have been more than 
made up by the extra services on holy days and in connec- 
tion with the communion occasions. . . . 

"No credit is due to us if these discourses have not 
been harping on favorite strings, but have carried us over 
the general ground of faith and practice; because our 
course has been marked out for us by the excellent ar- 
rangement of the Church year, so that it was not lawful 
for us to pleasure at will on easy or popular topics, but we 
were under a wholesome discipline which required us, 
as each Sunday directed, to give a portion of all the meat 
in due season. Thus it has been almost impossible for us 
to overlook or omit any doctrine, any duty, any privilege, 
any virtue, any grace, for each one confronted us at some 
time or other in the lessons of the day. If this course 
has in any measure brought before us the whole truth, 
round and symmetrical, we are indebted to the order of 
the Church year for it. For this is as good a preventive 
of idleness in ministers, as it is a terror to lop-sided and 
one-idea Christians. As the minister cannot, so also the 
members cannot follow well-beaten and pleasant tracks. 



50 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

''You have claimed your right of being active wor- 
shipers, and not silent spectators merely You 

claim, with the meditations of your heart, also to ofifer up 
the words of your lips. When God said by the mouth of 
Solomon, 'Let all the people say, amen !' he gave to the 
people that response of faith, and that seal of prayer. 
Who shall take it from them? For this, too, I claim no 
credit. You by your own wish and decision, asked it. 
Before I was installed as your pastor you asked it; I only 
acquiesced in your decision, but I did it from long and 
full conviction and with all my heart. And the more 
heartily and devoutly you respond to our beautiful and 
solemn prayers, the more I shall commend you for it." 

He continues by noting, more fully, the beauty and ad- 
vantage of observing the Christian year and vindicating 
the liturgical practice of the congregation. 

ORGAN CONSECRATED. 

It was, of course, the congregation's original intention 
to have a pipe organ, but it v^as not deemed prudent to 
get it at once and thus involve the church in additional 
debt. In the services of consecrating the church and for 
a while afterward a reed organ was used, having been 
rented from Mrs. David Hoffman. Dr. Harbaugh urged 
the importance of taking measures as soon as expedient 
to secure a pipe organ. Agreement was very soon made 
with the Philadelphia firm of Buffington, by whom an 
organ was built, costing $1200. The consecration was 
held, Advent Sunday morning, December 1, 1861, the 
order of service prepared by the pastor being used : 

CONSECRATION OF AN ORGAN. 

This service shall fall in with the regular service for the Lord's Day. Immedi- 
ately after the Confession of Sin, and before the Profession of Faith, page 131, the 
Congregation being seated, the Minister shall say : 

Dearly Beloved in the Lord: 

God, our heavenly Father, in all ages of the Church, 
has approved the acts of devout and holy men. who, mov- 



The First Pastorate — Dr. Harbaiigh. 51 

ed either by His express command, or by the secret in- 
spiration of His blessed Spirit, have set their hearts to 
beautify the place of His sanctury, and to make His 
praise glorious. 

We, a Congregation of His servants, animated by the 
pious example of those that have gone before us, sustain- 
ed by the Grace of God, and directed by His Spirit, have 
placed in this sanctuary an instrument which through 
many ages has been sacredly used in sounding forth the 
high praises of God; and we are now together in His 
most holy presence, that we may, as is meet and right, by 
a solemn act of worship, devote it to its intended use and 
purpose. 

[Here the Congregation shall rise, and remain standing through the whole of the 
remaining consecratory Service.] 

Let us pray. 

Meet us, O Lord, in all our doings with Thy most gra- 
cious favor, and further us with Thy continual help ; that 
in all our works, begun, continued, and ended in Thee, 
we may glorify Thy holy name, and finally, by Thy mer- 
cy, attain unto everlasting life : through Jesus Christ, our 
Lord. 

R. Amen. 

Then the Minister shall say : 

Accompany me now with your hearts and voices, in the 
profession of our catholic, undoubted. Christian faith. 
*T believe in God the Father," etc. 
M. Lord, we belive. 
R. Help Thou, O Lord, our tmbelief. 
M. Praise ye the Lord. 
R. The Lord's name be praised. 

Then the Minister shall say : 

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city 
of our God, in the mountain of His holiness. 

According to Thy name, O God, so is Thy praise unto 
the ends of the earth. 

O clap your hands, all ye people, shout unto God with 
the voice of triumph. 

Let the people praise Thee, O God; let all the people 
praise Thee. 



52 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, from everlasting to 
everlasting : and let all the people say, Amen. 

R. Amen. 

Let that be holy which is given unto the Lord, and all 
that is associated with His service. 

Having in mind the word of God, which makes a dif- 
ference between that which is holy and that which is com- 
mon; calling to remembrance the example of God's an- 
cient people who, not only by solemn services, consecrated 
their Temple, with all its vessels, but also their houses, 
and the walls of their cities ; also, reverently and devoutly 
regarding the teaching of the New Testament, that even 
our ordinary daily food is to be received with thanksgiv- 
ing, and sanctified by the word of God, and prayer; and 
taking humble encouragement from the tender love 
of our blessed Saviour Himself, who approved the pious 
act of her who poured a treasure of precious and costly 
ointment upon His feet, accepting the consecration of it 
as a proper offering of love, and blessing her for it : Let 
us not doubt that He will also favorably regard our godly 
purpose of setting apart this Instrument, in a solemn man- 
ner, that it may be made to serve both Him and us in the 
several offices of Christian worship. 

In accordance with the desire and purpose of this Con- 
gregation, and in its name, I do, therefore, now set apart 
and separate, this Organ, from all common and secular 
use, and consecrate it for the worship of the Triune God, 
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost: to whom be 
honor and glory, world without end. 

Here the Organ shall speak for the first time, leading the Choir and Congre- 
gation in firmly and earnestly responding : 

AMEN. 

Then the Minister shall say : 

Praise ye the Lord. 
Praise God in His sanctuary : 
Praise Him in the firmament of His power. 
Praise Him for His mighty acts: 
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness, 
Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet ; 
Praise Him with the psaltery and harp. 
Praise Plim with the timbrel and dance : 



The First Pastorate — Dr. Harbaugh. 53 

Praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. 
Praise Him upon the loud cymbals : 
Praise Him upon the high-sounding cymbals. 
Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. 
Praise ye the Lord. 



Here the Organ, Choir and Congregation shall promptlj- join in the Gloria in 
Excelsis, p. 22 : 



'Glory be to God on high," etc. 



[This ends the Consecration ; and the Service again falls in with the Regular 
Service for the Lord's Day, at the Rubric "Scripture Lessons and Collect," p. 132.] 



At 2 o^clock on the same afternoon the children of the 
Sunday-school were ''taken into the church to welcome 
the new organ with the congregation." Rev. Daniel Gans 
assisted the pastor in the service of the day. 

PAROCHIAL SCHOOL. 

An interesting and characteristic episode of the first 
pastorate was a parochial school which was begun in the 
fall of 1862 and continued for several months into the 
winter. Dr. Harbaugh was an ardent advocate of the 
Christian school under the direct supervision of the 
church. He says in a sermon on the subject in 1852, "Give 
us Christian schools, — schools that have a God, a Saviour, 
a Holy Spirit, a Bible and Hymn-book, a Catechism and 
prayer, a pastor and a pious school teacher." He wrote 
ardently on this subject, and at the Teachers' Institutes 
in Lebanon openly contended with State Superintendent 
Thomas Henry Burrowes who championed the Public 
School system. The experiment was accordingly tried. 
What is now the men's Bible class room was arranged 
for the purpose and Miss Anna Zahm, of Lancaster, was 
employed by the congregation as teacher. About 15 or 
20 boys, ranging in age from six to ten years, attended. 
Most of them came from the congregation. In a few 



54 History of St. John's Reformed Church, 

weeks Miss Zahm became ill and went to Lancaster. Miss 
Matilda Gloninger and other ladies of the church substi- 
tuted for several weeks, and then Miss Catherine DeHulf 
undertook the task. After several months' trial it was 
considered inexpedient to continue. The common branches 
suitable to the boys' age were taught, along with the Cate- 
chism. The school was under the oversight of Dr. Har- 
baugh, whose strong arm was sometimes needed for disci- 
pline. Those who knew Dr. Harbaugh well and under- 
stood his mind, assert that, were he living today, he would 
have modified his opinions on that subject into harmony 
with accepted views ; even as on other important questions 
he changed his position after fuller study and maturer 
reflection. 

For a short time during the fall of 1868 a primary 
week-day school was conducted in the Sunday-school 
room of the church by Miss Julia Ross, but was then for- 
bidden by the trustees and the desks and benches were 
removed. 

THE TERCENTENARY CELEBRATION. 

Dr. Harbaugh was perhaps the first person in the 
Reformed Church to suggest the propriety of celebrating 
the 300th anniversary of the Heidelberg Catechism, and 
he was accordingly appointed by Synod in 1859, chairman 
of the committee. Most of the work thereon was done 
while he was in Lebanon and to him goes in large measure 
the credit for the success of that "sublime festal service to 
God." St. John's Church took great mterest in the gen- 
eral celebration both at Philadelphia and Reading. Hon. 
J. W. Killinger was one of the Vice-Presidents. Dr. Har- 
baugh delivered one of the important addresses on "Creed 
and Cultus," and translated several of the German ad- 
dresses. It is for us, however, to call attention to the 



The First Pastorate — Dr. Harbaitgh. 55 

Tercentenary Celebration in the congregation. It was 
held on Trinity Sunday, May 31, 1863. There was a 
wholesome emulation between Tabor and St. John's in 
preparation for this festival. Accounts of this celebration 
are here presented from two of the local papers, with omis- 
sions to avoid repetition. 

THREE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HEIDELBERG 
CATECHISM IN ST. JOHN's REFORMED CHURCH. 

Last Sunday was a joyful day for the Reformed 
Churches in Lebanon, as also throughout the bounds of 
that denomination. St. John's Church was decorated 
with much taste, a large amount of labor and care having 
been spent upon it for days. A great portion of tlie 
festooning was made of box, which is the most beautiful 
evergreen we have for wreaths. The festooning was 
tastefully arranged, the walls being white and the church 
free from galleries, the wreaths could be arranged with 
freedom, and so as to bring out effectually the various 
designs and ideas connected with the festival. It being 
Trinity Sunday, the idea of the day was brought out by 
three circular festoons hung into each other on every 
one of the threefold gas brackets along the wall. So, 
also, three box-covered crosses back of the pulpit, three 
flower vases on the altar, and three bouquets of white 
flowers hung into the v/reaths in front of the pulpit, very 
appropriately representing the same idea. The main cen- 
tral arch over the pulpit and altar was crowned with the 
words, ''Heidelberg Catechism," perfectly fresh and 
green, made of sprigs of box. On one side of this arch, 
and over one of the smaller arches, was the date of the 
formation of the Catechism, "1563," in ancient figures, 
made of pale autumn leaves, all of which gave it an an- 
cient appearance; over the other smaller arch was the 



56 History of St, John's Reformed Church. 

present date, ''1863," in modern figures, and perfectly 
fresh. Between the two dates lay 300 years ! The con- 
ception was very fine and well brought out by the dif- 
ference in the form of the figures, as well as by their 
decorations. The baptismal font was decorated with 
flowers, crowned with a large and beautiful bouquet, at 
the foot of which sat a white-marbled dove in the midst 
of the flowers, symbolical of the Sacrament there admin- 
istered. The reading desk and altar had also their appro- 
priate decorations ; and the top of the breast- work of the 
pulpit space was tastefully varied with vases of flowers 
of various forms and designs. Never was St. John^s so 
beautifully garmented. Though we are accustomed to 
see this church decorated on Christmas occasions, yet 
this exceeded all its former endeavors; and we doubt 
whether any future efforts can succeed better. There 
was no part crowded, nothing overdone by an over- 
abundance; a fine taste ruled the entire arrangement. 
The children of the church were present in the morning 
services, by whom, as well as by the choir, touching 
music was discoursed. There was no sermon, but only 
a brief address appropriate to the occasion by the pastor. 
The rest was music and joy, and festal feeling. The 
crowded audience enjoyed a pleasant service, the like of 
which none of the members shall live to see again. In 
this view, the whole service was beautifully and appro- 
priately closed by the choir, who sang, amid the tears of 
not a few, the hymn, "A Hundred Years to Come." 
Truly : 

Who'll press for gold these crowded streets, 

A hundred years to come? 

Who'll tread this church with willing feet, 

A hundred years to come? 

Pale trembling age, and fiery youth, 



The First Pastorate — Dr. Harbaugh. 57 

And childhood with its heart of truth, 
The rich, the poor, on land and sea — 
Where will the mighty millions he, 
A hundred years to come ? 

But just as true is the blessed sentiment of the last 
verse, composed by the pastor and added for the occa- 
sion : 

Though we should die, yet shall we live, 

A hundred years to come ; 

Our Saviour and His Church shall live, 

A hundred years to come; 

Still crowds shall to Thy temple wend 

Their way, and at the altar bend ; 

And millions, now unborn, shall meet 

In humble joy at Jesus' feet, 

A hundred years to come. 

THE TERCENTENARY SERVICES IN ST. JOHN's CHURCH. 

St. John's Reformed Church appeared in its "beautiful 
garments," in honor of the three hundredth anniversary 
of the Heidelberg Catechism. . . . The vision of the pro- 
phet seemed realized, "The glory of Lebanon shall come 
unto thee, the fir-tree, the pine tree and the box together, 
to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make, 
the place of my feet glorious." The side walls were fes- 
tooned with a gothic tip at the top of every window, from 
which a hanging air-basket was suspended, answering to 
a bouquet of flowers in a vase on the window below. The 
choir end of the church was also decorated with much 
taste. But the principal beauty of the decorations was 
on and around the pulpit and altar. ... St. John's Church 
looked "like a bride adorned for her husband;" and it 
was an appropriate tribute to the festal occasion and an 



5B History of St. John*s Reformed Church. 

honor to the taste and interest of those whose hearts 
conceived and whose hands arrayed the "thing of beauty 
and the joy forever." 

The congregation had an honorable part in the free- 
will offerings of $108,125.98 contributed by the denomi- 
nation for benevolence during the Tercentenary yea»*. 
The contributions were to : 

Franklin and Marshall College $1000 00 

Library of Seminary at Mercersburg 1000 00 

Church Extension 50 co 

Mission Churches 170 00 

Undesignated Objects 10 00 

Total $2230 00 

The contribution to the College was made by J. W. 
Killinger; to the Seminary Library by John Meily and 
Philip Fisher. 

The church from the beginning was equipped with 
accommodations for a large congregation, but the growth 
was never rapid, as can be seen by consulting the statis- 
tical table. It was felt that one of the causes thereof was 
the exclusive use of English, in a place where the Re- 
formed Church was prevailingly German. An attempt 
was made to remedy this by having German services. 
Inopportunely the experiment was tried on the first Sun- 
day of July, 1862, at 2.30 P. M., when the weather was 
exceedingly warm. Very few attended, even of those 
who were already members. After a few Sundays of 
trial, the effort was seen to be futile. 

The pastor was, in these years, crowded with literary 
work, and the congregation sympathized with him therein. 
They rejoiced in his great usefulness to the Reformed 
Church thereby, and it was far from their thought to 
curtail it. He had little time, therefore, for pastoral 



The First Pastorate — Dr. Harhaiigh. 59 

work, which was especially needful for the building up 
of this young congregation. In November, 1862, a very 
kindly suggestion came from the consistory that one 
Sunday evening service a month be discontinued and 
that every other afternoon be given to visiting members 
and those interested, with a view to increasing the mem- 
bership. 

Dr. Harbaugh's third and last parochial report to 
Classis, May 15, 1863, discusses this subject of the 
church's growth : "We have the pleasure of reporting a 
steady progress in our infant congregation. Having 
begun two years and a-half ago with only 61 members, 
we now number no. Experience proves that second 
congregations must be content to increase slowly. The 
reasons are obvious. There is a strong traditional at- 
tachment to the old church, its graveyard, and its asso- 
ciations, as well as pastoral and other social attacii- 
ments; the German language in the case of the older 
and a laudable inclination on the part of children to go 
with their parents, and a desire on the part of parents to 
have their children with them; the increased expense 
connected with a new enterprise, and a small congrega- 
tion, also makes it inconvenient and undesirable on the 
part of many to change. These, with other causes, con- 
spire to make all second churches of slow growth. Our 
increase, however, has been comfortable." Statistics are 
then noted — 108 scholars and 22 teachers in the Sunday- 
school; 586 books in the library. ''Our Sunday-school 
and communion collections, though much needed to in- 
crease our libary and procure other necessaries, have been 
devoted to benevolent objects, while these other interests 
have been kept moving by special contributions. Our 
systematic benevolent contributing society has, besides, 
paid over for benevolent purposes, a little over $50. Our 
Tercentenary ofiferings from the children in the Sunday- 



6o History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

school, fully inaugurated about two months ago, and to 
be continued throughout the year, bid fair to realize a 
handsome amount." 

These were the years of the Civil War, and the con- 
gregation suffered on that account. A goodly propor- 
tion of the young men went to the front as officers and 
privates. Among them was Theodore D. Fisher, clerk 
of Major Theodore D. Greenawalt, his uncle, paymaster 
of U. S. Army. He was a young man of fine character 
and attainments. He perished in the burning of the un- 
fortunate steamer ''Ruth," August 3, 1863, on the Mis- 
sissippi River, near Cairo. On Sunday morning, Octobei 
II, 1863, a suitable service in commemoration of the sad 
death of Theodore Fisher was held in St. John's Church. 
The pastor preached a beautiful sermon from Job 37: 21, 
"And now men see not the bright light which is in the 
clouds." On the following day, an urgent request that 
the sermon be furnished for publication was sent to Dr. 
Harbaugh, signed by twelve men, J. W. Killinger, L. I.. 
Greenawalt, T. T. Worth, George Ross, John Meily, C. D. 
Gloninger, W. M. Guilford, P. S. Greenawalt, W. G. 
Bowman, D. S. Raber, J. K. Funck and W. M. Major. 
"The lessons it inculcates, and the example it furnishes, 
will, we think, be of great practical benefit to the young- 
men of our town and county." The pamphlet, "The 
Bright Light in the Clouds," accordingly appeared. Tn 
1867, "Youth in Earnest," a biography of Theodore 
Fisher, was published by Dr. Flarbaugh. He was a 
pious youth, faithful in attending all services, a Sunda\- 
school teacher, an accomplished musician, the first leader 
of St. John's choir, and afterward its organist. He was a 
great help to the congregation in those early days, "and 
his untiring devotion to the interests of the church, placed 
the congregation under grateful obligations which the 
last survivor of its founders will never forget." He 



The First Pastorate — Dr. Harbaugh. 6 1 

graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in 1858. 

Dr. Harbaugh was in correspondence with the boys in 
the army. Several of his letters to Major L. L. Green- 
await are preserved. He writes, February 11, 1863: 

''To the Brethren Greenaivalt, Guilford, Raber, Moyer, 
Frantz: 

''Dear Brethren : — I have heard from you all repeat- 
edly. . . . When any of your friends here receives a letter, 
the news is always talked round ; and thus we keep up a 
constant communion with you all. It is also easily per- 
ceived in the prayers that are offered in our weekly meet- 
ings, that you are all remembered as our brethren. . . . 
The right view of the 'communion of saints' seems to pos- 
sess every mind. Though absent from us, and constantly 
in danger, we feel as if you were joined in the same bod}^ 
wdth us to Christ, in whom there are no separations, whose 
life and love are not bounded by space or time, and whose 
grace is the same in safety or peril, in life and in death. . . 

'Tt often gives me courage and hope in regard tO' our 
national affairs, to think how many earnest Christian 
men have gone forth for the deliverance of our father- 
land from the power of its oppressors. God must be on 
our side. I have a strong faith that though your term 
of service extends only over several months more, the 
Rebellion \n\\\ receive its deathblow before you return to 
us. At present there is a general undercurrent of sub- 
dued feeling over the land, and I think all earnest minds 
are looking to God more than to man. This I regard as 
foreshadowing a speedy interposition of Providence ; and 
I confidently expect speedy and great success to our arms. 
. . . Let us be of good courage and God will strengthen 
our heart. . . . 

''Our church and Sunda3^-school do well, — we shall 
feel greatly strengthened again when you all return. . . . 

"One of the brethren informed me in a letter that yoti 



62 History of St. John*s Reformed Church. 

have regular meetings for prayer in your regiment. I 
was glad to hear this. I have no doubt there are many 
diverting influences connected with camp-life. But stated 
hours to recall the mind and heart to higher and better 
things must tend to aid one in keeping his spirit in a 
proper frame.^^ 

In another letter, answering to words of appreciation, 
Dr. Harbaugh says, "Be assured, it affords me great en- 
couragement to know that my humble labors here have 
been of account to my members, and that in absence they 
still derive comfort from a remembrance of the church 
and its services." 

The congregation, with the pastor, were unwaveringly 
loyal to the Union. Dr. Harbaugh in every possible way 
showed his devotion to the Federal cause. He seriously 
considered becoming chaplain of a Pennsylvania Regi- 
ment, but was dissuaded therefrom by friends, who urged 
that he could be of more service at home. In the Guar- 
dian, of March, 1863, appeared an article on the *'Relig- 
ious Character of Washington." This was published as 
"a tract for the times" by a committee of the Christian 
Commission for the District of Maryland. Several edi- 
tions were issued and distributed, the first of which was 
10,000 copies. 

Dr. Harbaugh preached on the war and spoke on occa- 
sion to the soldiers. In August, 1862, he acted as presi- 
dent of a meeting to encourage enlistments and spoke 
strongly in favor thereof. In the spring of 1863, soldiers 
of the 127th Regiment, Captains Greenawalt and Daugh- 
erty, returned, were tendered a reception by the citizens, 
and addressed by Dr. Harbaugh from the rear of the 
Court House. 

While the 93d Regiment was encamped at Camp Cole- 
man, — the common northeast of Lehman and Eighth 
Streets^ — religious services were conducted for the sol- 



The First Pastorate — Dr. Harbaugh. 63 

diers by the ministers of the borough. Dr. Harbaugh 
was always glad to preach and was attentively heard by 
the soldiers. 

Special collects were composed by Dr. Harbaugh and 
used during the war period by the congregation. 

PRAYERS IN TIMES OF NATIONAL TUMULT. 

These prayers take the place of the petition for rulers, in the morning service. 
Page 134. 

Almighty God, Governor among all nations, who art a 
strong tower of defence to them that fear Thee, and whose 
power no creature is able to resist; we make our humble 
cry to Thee in this hour of our country's need. To Thee 
it belongeth justly to punish sinners, and to be mericiful 
to those who truly repent. Deal not with us after our 
sins, nor reward us according to our transgressions; but 
let Thy mercy be upon us as our trust is in Thee. 

R. Amen. 

There is no power but of Thee, O Lord, and by Thee 
are the powers that be ordained; have pity, we beseech 
Thee, upon our brethren who are in arms to resist the 
power and ordinance of God, and show them the error of 
their way. Bless Thy servants, the President of the 
United States, and the Governor of this Commonwealth, 
our public counsels, and all that are in authority. Shed 
down upon the counsels of our Rulers the spirit of wis- 
dom, moderation and firmness, that they may be equal to 
all emergencies, and be able to bring to nought all 
endeavors of secret and open foes. Unite the hearts of 
our people as the heart of one man, in upholding the honor 
of Law and the cause of Justice and Peace. 

R. Amen. 

O God, our refuge and fortress, we commend to Thy 
tender care all those who have gone forth with the sacri- 



64 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

fice of their lives, for the peace of the Fatherland. Be 
Thou their shield and buckler. Under the shadow of Thy 
wings may they be quiet from fear of evil; and, armed 
with Thy defence, and evermore preserved from all peril, 
may they return to glorify Thee, who art the Giver of all 
victory. 

R. Amen. 

Help us all, O Lord, to possess our souls in patience. 
Abate the violence of passion; banish pride and preju- 
dice from every heart, and incline us all to trust in Thy 
righteous Providence, and to be ready for every duty. In 
Thy great mercy, O Merciful Father, hasten the return of 
peace and prosperity to our borders; and so order all 
things that unity and happiness, truth and justice, religion 
and piety, may be established among us for all genera- 
tions. These things, and whatever else Thou shalt see to 
be necessary and convenient for us, we humbly beg 
through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, our 
Lord: to whom with Thee, and the Holy Ghost, be all 
honor and glory, world without end. 

R. Amen. 

Dr. Harbaugh was Chairman of the Committee on the 
State of Religion and Morals, at the annual session of 
Lebanon Classis, May, 1863. His report discusses the 
demoralizing effect of the war in different spheres. Min- 
isters observe with regret the increase of profanity. Sab- 
bath-breaking and drunkenness. 'These sins are always 
apt to abound in times of great civil commotion. Times 
of war especially are regarded by mere worldly natures 
as a kind of general martial law against Christianity. . . . 

"Alongside of these vices, our territory is also afflicted 
with disloyalty to the Church. Treason against the 
Body of Jesus Christ, though it has its roots far back in 
the history of some of our congregations, has been incited 
to n^w irreverence and insubordination, and has spread 



The First Pastorate — Dr, Harbaugh. 65 

the impregnating virus around itself. With the higher 
'powers that be' in the State, the higher powers by Christ 
Himself divinely ordained in the Church, have been as- 
sailed, and when success has been attained, a disorder has 
been inaugurated in the midst of which many good people 
mourn, and over which angels might weep. 'Rebellion,^ 
says Moses, 'is witchcraft.' Nothing short of this fearful 
Scripture characterization of this unholy spirit can ade- 
quately set forth its enormity. The leaders of it may 
know that they make the Body of Christ to bleed as in a 
new crucifixion, but we may safely say of the many who 
are led by them in the charitable and compassionate lan- 
guage of Christ to those who crucified Him the first time, 
They know not what they do.' While we mourn over the 
sad consequences which must result to these misguided 
congregations, perhaps for years and generations to come, 
we know that the evil must ultimately exhaust itself, and, 
like a stream cut off from its perennial fountain, dry away 
or be evaporated from the stagnant pools of its own form- 
ing. Every branch cut off from the vine must wither. 
Every plant which our heavenly Father hath not planted 
will be rooted up at last. The whole history of the 
Church confirms the testimony of God's Word on this 
point. O, that we had a voice sufficiently strong and 
tender to call these erring brethren back to the mother 
that hath given them birth and nurture !" 

At this meeting of Classis he was appointed to prepare 
a tract in German and English with reference to this inde- 
pendent movement in Berks County. The anonymous 
publication of 1863, "Ueber Spaltungen und Unabhang- 
igkeit in der Kirche Christi," is no doubt the result of this 
instruction from Classis, written in English by Dr. Har- 
baugh and then translated into German by Dr. Hiester. 

In the fall of 1862, Rev. Romich resigned the pastorate 
at Jonestown, and Dr. Harbaugh was called on to preach 
there occasionally. Beginning with January, 1863, Dr. 



66 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

Harbaugh statedly supplied the Jonestown pulpit for the 
greater part of the year, preaching every other Sunda>' 
afternoon and evening. He had a large class of cate- 
chumens, 14 of whom were confirmed June 27, 1863. tit 
had 7 funerals from the Jonestown congregation during 
liis connection with that people, and baptized 7 of their 
children. 

Dr. Harbaugh's general labors for the Reformed 
Church were increasingly appreciated, and this was pro- 
phetic of the final call which took him from the pastorate. 
The Order of Worship was being composed during these 
days, and Dr. Harbaugh being on the committee, and 
Lebanon centrally located, it was very convenient for the 
Liturgical Committee to meet in St. John's study. This 
they often did, and different members of that committee 
frequently preached in the mid-week and Sabbath ser- 
vices. Dr. Harbaugh was often called away to preach 
and to lecture. He delivered the address at the close of 
the Allentown Seminary, April 3, 1861. He lectured be- 
fore the Wyoming Historical Society, January 24, 1862, 
on "The Home Feeling.'^ He preached the dedicatory 
sermon of the Church of the Cross, Cincinnati, O., Decem- 
ber 20, 1863, — the same text as at the dedication of St. 
John's. It was published by that congregation in pamph- 
let as "A Plea for Beautiful Churches.'' 

Some of his most noted writings were wrought out in 
St. John's study. "Das Alt Schulhaus an der Krick" 
bears the date November 26, i860. The immortal hymn, 
"Jesus, I Live to Thee," the fairest gem of Reformed 
Hymnody, which will live through the centuries, was here 
inspired. The late lamented Rev. George B. Resser re- 
lated the circumstance of its composition, as told him b} 
Mrs. John W. Mish. Dr. Harbaugh was called on to 
baptize her babe. After performing the ceremony, he re- 
turned to the church study, sat down at once and com- 



The First Pastorate — Dr. Harbaugh. 67 

posed the hymn, "Jesus, I Live to Thee." This is the first 
baptism recorded in St. John^s Church register, "EHza- 
beth Krause, daughter of John W. and Amelia E. Mish, 
baptized December 2, i860. Advent Sunday." The Httle 
girl died afterward. 

The parsonage during the first pastorate was the house 
on North Tenth Street, near Willov^, now numbered 37, 
then owned by Dr. J. W. Gloninger and generously given 
by him for the use of St. John's pastor gratuitously. 
Where the parsonage now stands, was an open lot, in 
which Dr. Harbaugh planted flowering shrubs and ar- 
ranged beds in which a variety of flowers were cared for. 
In the rear of the lot and church, was a vegetable garden, 
which he cultivated. He took great pleasure in being 
among: his plants and flowers, and in the early morning 
hours could be seen there. The older trees in the par- 
sonage yard were planted by him. 

Events of the fall of 1863 culminated in this letter: 

"Lebanon, Pa., Decembers, 1863. 
''To the Consistory of St. John's Church: 

"Dear Brethren : — Having been called by the Synod 
of the German Reformed Church to another sphere of 
labor, and feeling it my duty to respond favorably to that 
call, it is necessary for me to hand in to the consistory of 
St. John's Church my resignation of the pastorate of said 
congregation. I express the hope that the consistory and 
congregation will acquiesce and join with me in asking 
Lebanon Classis to dissolve the pastoral relation between 
us. An earnest request from the Board of Visitors of 
the Theological Seminary that I should, from January t(3 
April next, take the place vacated in consequence of the 
leave of absence granted by Synod to Dr. Schaff, having 
been made, I must designate January i, 1864, as the time 
when the risignation shall take effect. 



68 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

"I need hardly say that I deeply feel the breaking of 
sacred ties which have pleasantly bound us together for 
over three years — the first, and, on that account, most in- 
teresting years in the history of St. John's Church. 

'*I shall bid you adieu with my best wishes and prayers 
for your peace and prosperity as a congregation, v/ith the 
highest Christian regard for you, each and all, personally, 
as well as the members of the church under your official 
care, and with sincere thanks for the many acts of kind- 
ness received at your hands during the period of my pas- 
torate. Yours in Christ, 

"H. Harbaugh." 

He was elected by the Eastern Synod at Carlisle, Octo- 
ber 28, 1863, to the Chair of Didactic and Practical The- 
ology in the Seminary at Mercersburg, Pa. The con- 
gregation parted with Dr. Harbaugh with much regret, 
yet realizing that he ought to go, and rejoicing in the 
great privilege of having had him in the first and pliant 
years of the congregation's life. The farewell discourse 
was preached Sunday evening, January 3, 1864, ''to a 
crowded audience;" text, ''Finally, brethren, farewell," 
2 Cor. 13: II. The consistory made request and had it 
published under the title, "Farewell Words." 

The first pastorate continued for three years and two 
and a-half months. Sixty-one were received into the 
church as the charter members, and 43 were added by 
certificate, 14 by confirmation, and five by adult baptism : 
total number received, 123; from which were a number 
of deaths and dismissions. On the church record for 
this pastorate are 34 baptisms, six marriages, and 16 
deaths. 

When Dr. Harbaugh left, an album, containing the 
photographs of nearly all the members of the congrega- 
tion, was presented to him. He prized it greatly. It is 



The First Pastorate — Dr. Harbaugh. 69 

now in the possession of Jolm A. Harbaugh, of Bryn 
Mawr, Pa. 

The fohowing is the preamble and resolution adopted 
by the consistory upon the resignation of Dr. Harbaugh : 

''Whereas, The Rev. Dr. Harbaugh has recently been 
elected Professor of Didactic and Practical Theology in 
the Theological Seminary at Mercersburg; and, whereas, 
he has in consequence tendered his resignation as pastor 
of St. John's Church ; therefore, be it 

"Resolved, That, inasmuch as the interest of the Church 
at large, as expressed at the Synod of Carlisle, claimed 
that his sphere of usefulness should be enlarged, the con- 
sistory of St. John's Church do most reluctantly accept of 
his resignation, tendering the assurance, however, that 
their best wishes and prayers will accompany him in his 
new field of labor to which, in the providence of God, he 
has been called." 

The pastoral relation was formally dissolved at a special 
meeting of Lebanon Classis held at Womelsdorf, January 
12, 1864. 

'Tn the summer of 1888, Mr. Robert Coleman gave a 
week's outing at Mt. Gretna to the graduates and under- 
graduates of Trinity College. One day, Rev. George B. 
Resser, then pastor of St. John's, was sitting in the par- 
sonage, when a clergyman of the Episcopal Church of 
New England, rang the door-bell, and inquired whether 
the adjoining church was the one in which the sainted Dr. 
Harbaugh had ministered. Upon being answered in the 
affirmative, he asked the pastor whether he might be per- 
mitted to enter the church and stand in the chancel where 
so eminent a servant of God had ministered. His request 
was granted, and while standing in the chancel, the rector 
exclaimed, 'And this is the place where that godly man 
held forth the Gospel of Christ !' Then he further said to 
the pastor, 'I have read everything that Dr. Harbaugh 
has written, even his Pennsylvania-German poems ; and I 



70 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

have derived inexpressible benefit from the lovely, deeply 
pious spirit which pervades his writings throughout/ " 

Dr. Harbaugh took final leave of the pastorate not 
without a sigh of regret, which is touched with the 
thought of his pleasant relations with his last flock. In 
his letter accepting the professorship, dated Christmas 
Day, 1863, he says : 

''The pastoral office with its lights and shadows, has 
thus far been my chief earthly delight, and has proved to 
me steadily, its own exceeding great reward ; and I con- 
fess to a strange lingering feeling of loneliness on the eve 
of leaving its long familiar paths for another sphere oi 
duty.'' 

Dr. Harbaugh, of course, continued to take a great in- 
terest in St. John's, and visited Lebanon at intervals dur- 
ing the remaining few years of his life. He and his suc- 
cessor. Dr. Johnston, became fast friends. The happy 
relation existing between them is suggested by the frontis- 
piece. Dr. Johnston and members of the church visited 
him during his last illness, and the congregation took 
pleasure in many v^ays in showing to the distressed family 
their appreciation of their first pastor. 

We have from Rev. Resser this incident, as told him by 
Mr. David Raber himself: "When Dr. Harbaugh was 
lying in his last sickness at Mercersburg, the consistory 
of St. John's sent Mr. Raber to bear the congregation's 
sympathy to Dr. Harbaugh. When Mr. Raber arrived at 
Mercersburg, he went to South Cottage, Dr. Harbaugh's 
residence, and rang the door-bell. Dr. Harbaugh was ly- 
ing upstairs, in a room where he could not possibly have 
seen Mr. Raber coming, but as soon as he heard the door- 
bell, he said to someone sitting by the bed, 'Do comt der 
David.'" 

A number of persons from St. John's attended Dr. Har- 
baugh's funeral. 

Major L. L. Greenawalt was one of the pall-bearers. 




REV. T. S. JOHNSTON, D.D. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE SECOND Px\STORATE DR. JOHNSTON. 

March, 1864— June, 1884. 

T°"^HOMAS SWAN JOHNSTON, the second pastor 
I of St. John's, was born in Philadelphia, August 
^^^) 4, i8i8. His parents, Thomas and Mary Swan 
Johnston, arrived in America only a few weeks 
before his birth. They were Scotch Presbyterian^. The 
father was a graduate of Edinburgh University, and the 
mother's brother was a Presbyterian minister in the 
United States. He was a man of fine aitainments, a very 
attractive gentleman, socially, qualities with v/hich his son 
and namesake was also richly endov^^ed. He was also a 
very sweet singer, and his vocal powers rendered him 
much sought by the social circles of Philadelphia. In 
this particular, his first-born v/as deficient, because he had 
no voice for music. The father died vx^hen in the prime of 
life, leaving five children. 

Thomas as a boy and youth was thrown largely on his 
own resources. He attended the common schools of 
Philadelphia, but was very soon obliged to turn his hand 
to bread-winning. He had, however, an insatiable thirst 
for knowledge and those manifest qualities of mind and 
heart which were a sure guaranty of making his mark in 
the world. 

He was for a Vv^hile errand-boy in a bookstore, the pro- 
prietor of which took great interest in him, as did also a 
Presbyterian minister of the city. He then learned the 
hatter's trade from a firm who were Friends by religious 
persuasion. When in the process of coloring hats, his 
turn came to watch all night by the kettle fires, he utilized 
the time and the dim light to read and study. All the 

71 



72 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

while with intense eargerness he laid hold of everything 
which would serve him in mental improvement. Free 
lectures were attended. While living at Darby, he took 
an active interest in the local lyceum, and though among 
the youngest to engage therein, he was soon acknowledged 
by the literary society to be their ablest speaker. He 
afterward bore testimony to this invaluable training for 
his life work. 

In this critical time of his life, he was converted in the 
Methodist Church. With his rare qualities of mind and 
heart, the occasion of his consecration to God was at once 
suggestive of his divinely appointed calling. Accord- 
ingly at the age of 19 we see him entering the Methodist 
ministry. Because of his youth, he was required to serve 
with an elder on a circuit for the first year, and this he did 
at Strasburg and vicinity in Lancaster County, and then 
entered on the four years' course of study prescribed by 
the Methodist Church. A few years later, he was conse- 
crated to the office of deacon. Thus reads the certificate : 

"Know all men by these presents. That I, Beverly 
Waugh, one of the bishops of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in the United States of America, under the pro- 
tection of Almighty God, and with a single eye to His 
glory, by the imposition of my hands and prayer have 
this day set apart Thomas S. Johnston for the office of 
a deacon, in the said Methodist Episcopal Church ; a man 
who, in the judgment of the Philadelphia Annual Confer- 
ence, is well qualified for that work: and he is hereby 
recommended to all whom it may concern, as a proper 
person to administer the ordinances of baptism, marriage, 
and the burial of the dead, in the absence of an elder, and 
to feed the flock of Christ, so long as his spirit and prac> 
tice are such as become the Gospel of Christ, and he con- 
tinueth to hold fast the form of sound words, according to 
the established doctrines of the Gospel. 



The Second Pastorate — Dr. Johnston. 73 

*'In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand 
and seal, this tenth day of April, in the year of our Lord 
1842. B. Waugh. 

"Done at Wilmington, Delaware." 

Two years later, at Philadelphia, he was set apart to 
the office of elder in the Methodist Church, by Bishop 
Elijah Hedding. 

The charges which he served successively were Had- 
dington, Phoenixville, Delaware Water Gap, Bristol, Leb- 
anon, Pottsville, and the Asbury M. E. Church, of Phila- 
delphia. He always endeared himself to the community, 
as well as the congregation which he served. He was 
loath to leave Philadelphia for the charge assigned him, 
in 1853. Moreover, there came from the Presbyterian 
Church of Mantua, in that vicinity, a very urgent call, 
which he was constrained to accept. Eleven fruitful years 
were passed as shepherd of that flock, in which friendships 
were formed which it was painful to surrender. Judge 
William D. Kelley was one of his parishioners and a close 
friend. Then came the call to St. John^s. 

The years '47 and '48 were spent by Rev. Johnston as 
minister of the Lebanon Circuit of the Methodist Church. 
Beside the congregation, whose house of worship, still 
standing, was on Tenth Street between Cumberland and 
Chestnut, the minister officiating had charge of the 
churches at Cornwall, Elizabeth Furnace, Mt. Zion and 
Annville, where he preached at stated intervals. When 
Rev. Johnston was pastor here, the Methodist was the 
only exclusively English church in Lebanon, and service 
was held every Sunday evening. He is remembered yet 
as having been a very handsome young man, with engag- 
ing manner, and a specially attractive speaker. The little 
Methodist Church was crowded to the doors every Sun- 
day evening by people from all the churches. While 



^4 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

here, the Methodist parsonage was No. 1002 Chestnut 
Street. Both he and Mrs. Johnston had learned to like 
Lebanon during that two years' stay, and when the urgent 
summons came to succeed Dr. Harbaugh, he accepted. 

He was married at Haddington, February 14, 1843, to 
Hannah R. Frailey. There were six children: Mary, 
Susan (Mrs. Samuel Raber), Thomas, Hannah Jane (Mrs. 
Harry Tabor), James, and Elizabeth (Mrs. Robert L. 
Marshall). 

When Dr. Harbaugh left St. John's, it was no easy mat- 
ter to fill his place. Many of the prominent ministers of 
the Reformed Church had preached for the congregation 
from time to time. It is not at all likely, however, that 
any were available who could have filled the place so well 
as Dr. Johnston. A vivid impression remained among 
the Lebanon people of the Methodist minister of 1848. 
One ecclesiastical change by him suggested the possibility 
of another. Dr. Johnston was accordingly invited, and 
preached in St. John's Church, January 24, 1864. He wa5. 
duly elected February i, 1864, and the call was borne to 
him by Simeon Guilford. He was received at a special 
meeting of Lebanon Classis held in St. John's Church, 
March 10, 1864, from the Third Presbytery of Philadel- 
phia. On the same day, the installation service was held. 
Rev. Benjamin Bausman preached the sermon from 2 Cor. 
5 20, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ." Rev. 
Henry Wagner and Rev. George Wolf read the charges 
to the pastor and the congregation. *'At the close of the 
services, a number of the publications of the Reformed 
Church were presented tO' the new pastor by Dr. J. W. 
Gloninger. Rev. George Wolf made the presentation in 
a neat, suggestive speech, and Dr. Johnston appropriately 
replied." 

We find this editorial comment on Dr. Johnston's leav- 
ing Philadelphia : 



The Second Pastorate — Dr. Johnston. 75 

"The Rev. Dr. Thomas Johnston has resigned the pas- 
toral charge of the New School Presbyterian Church in 
Mantua (West Philadelphia), and accepted a call to a 
German Reformed Church in Lebanon, Pa. As it has 
been the lot of one of the editors of the Presbyterian to be 
thrown into constant intercourse with Dr. Johnston, we 
take the liberty of commending him to the church to 
which he goes as a brother beloved, an earnest and faith- 
ful pastor, and one ready to co-operate in every good 
work with all who love the cause and kingdom of our 
Lord Jesus Christ." 

Dr. Johnston entered heartily into the spirit and work 
of St. John's. He had great powers of adaptation, and, 
though schooled in the Methodist and Presbyterian 
Churches, he came into thorough sympathy and accord 
with the churchly position of the Reformed Church. 
Again and again in his sermons he speaks in appreciation 
of the historic position, the Catechism, the doctrines, and 
the cultus of the Reformed Church. In close friendship 
with Dr. Harbaugh, he looked to him as his adviser and 
teacher. After his predecessor's death, he delivered be- 
fore the congregation a tender appreciation of Dr. Har- 
baugh as author, theologian and pastor. In the early part 
of his ministry here, in accordance with the wish of the 
congregation, he wore the gown for several years in offi- 
ciating. It seemed to many, however, to be an innova- 
tion which militated against the growth of the church, and 
has never been assayed since. 

The progress of the work may be gathered from his 
eighth anniversary sermon. ''Over $5,000, independent 
of yearly revenue, has been paid to cancel mortgages, to 
liquidate debts and make improvements to the property.'* 
He then proceeds to urge the importance of making addi- 
tional improvements to the extent of $2,000. The gradual 
growth of the membership is noted. 



76 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

As early as 1866 it became necessary to reconstruct the 
organ completely, in order to remedy radical defects. In 
September, 1870, a committee of trustees was authorized 
to proceed with making certain necessary repairs without 
delay. The next few years improvements were made, 
and during the summer of 1874 the audience room was 
completely renovated and a few alterations made. 
Through the efforts of the ladies, a new carpet was placed 
over the entire floor, a remnant of which is still used in 
the Primary room. Complete pulpit furniture was pre- 
sented by Miss Fannie Brown and her sister, Mrs. G. 
Dawson Coleman; the same is now used in the Sunday- 
school room. The arrangement thereof was different 
from before. The altar was placed in the platform recess, 
and the pulpit to the side. Steps were made between the 
platform and the centre of the chancel. The walls were 
retouched. The aggregate cost of all improvements made 
at this time was about $2,000. 

In 1882 and 1883, repairs were again made, costing 
about $800. A committee of the trustees reports : ''That 
the organ has been repaired and improved. The exterior 
of the church has received two coats of paint. A new 
metallic cross has be'en placed upon the steeple. The 
windows have been newly hung; the woodwork repaired, 
the broken glass removed and new panes put in ; the roof 
and the gutters thereof repaired and painted. In the in- 
side of the church, the carpet was taken up and mended: 
the whole edifice has been cleansed." 

The first cross was placed on the steeple in 1870. It 
was made of well-seasoned wood, covered with copper, 
and then gilded. The wood, when exposed to the weather, 
was made to swell, bursting the enclosing copper, and 
thus the cross became unsightly. Hence the need of a 
metallic cross, as above noted. It was of galvanized iron 
and gilded. 



The Second Pastorate — Dr. Johnston. 77 

The marble baptismal font now in use was secured in 
1874. The money was collected by the ladies of the con- 
gregation, and it was purchased of John Waterhouse, in 
Philadelphia, for $79, by Miss Kate Greenawalt. On the 
several facets of the octahedral base are the Saviour's 
words, "Suffer the little children to come unto me." 

When Dr. Johnston preached his 20th anniversary ser- 
mon, he no doubt had in mind the resignation which came 
a few months later. The text was Gen. 31:38, "This 
twenty years have I been with thee.'' It is a summing up 
of his' work while at St. John's. When he came, ''30 
pews were rented, the regular income of which was $450," 
during the past year 66 pews were rented and the annual 
income was $2,000. Then the annual income from "penny 
collections" was $80; beside that for benevolence a society 
raised abouL the same amount. During his pastorate, the 
average yearly contributions for benevolence were about 
$300. The gradual numerical and spiritual growth is 
mentioned. The discourse then enumerates the many and 
varied interests which laid chiim to his energies during 
this score of years. In the following May the consistory 
were called upon to consider his resignation. 

"To the Consistory of St. John's Reformed Church, Leba- 
non, Pa.: 

"Dear Brethren : — It becomes a solemn, yet painful 
duty, to inform you that after mature and prayerful delib- 
eration, I have concluded to tender to you my resignation 
of the pastorate of St. John's Reformed Church, and to 
urge upon you its acceptance. Twenty years as your 
pastor, involving as they do my most mature and vigorous 
years, have rendered the bonds which bind us together of 
no ordinary character, and the severance of them is one of 
the most painful occurrences of my ministerial life. 

"But all the energies of my soul are summoned to give 



78 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

the remainder of my days to more extended labor in build- 
ing up the Kingdom of Christ in another and wider sphere. 
It is not my intention to lay off the armor, and sink into 
inglorious ease, but rather to labor the harder, as I see 
rapidly approaching the 'night in which no man can work.' 
In whatever sphere I am called, I shall ever cherish the 
strongest affection for those to whom I have ministered in 
much weakness during the past twenty years, and shall 
ever pray and hope that prosperity may attend all their 
efforts to promote the gospel of peace and love. 

*'My resignation will take effect July i, 1884, and I 
respectfully ask you to join with me in requesting the 
Lebanon Classis at its next annual meeting to dissolve the 
pastoral relation. 

''Yours in grace, 

'Thos. S. Johnston. 

"St. John's Study, May 25, 1884." 

The consistory took action as follows : 

''Whereas, Our beloved pastor. Rev. T. S. Johnston, 
D.D., has tendered his resignation as pastor of St. John's 
Reformed Church, to take effect July i, 1884, and has re- 
quested the consistory to join with him in a request to the 
Classis of Lebanon to confirm the same, and 

"Whereas, He feels it to be his duty to devote the re- 
maining energies of his life to the cause of Foreign Mis- 
sions, of which he has been the efficient Secretary for a 
number of years, and 

"Whereas, We concur vv^ith the entire Reformed 
Church that he is eminently qualified to fill the position; 
therefore, 

''Resolved, That we accept his resignation with regret, 
and hereby bear witness to the integrity and purity of his 
character, his eminent abilities as a preacher, and his ear- 
nest, self-denying work as a pastor. 



The Second Pastorate — Dr. Johnston. 79 

"'Resolved, That we shall ever cherish for him the warm- 
est affection, and tender him our best wishes for his future 
welfare. 

''Resolved, That we hail with pleasure his determina- 
tion to reside in our borough, and welcome him at all times 
to a participation in our services, and work, as a congrega- 
tion. 

''Resolved, That we request the congregation to concur 
in our action. 

"By order of the consistory. 

"J. K. Raudenbush^ Secretary. 

"Lebanon, Pa., June 3, 1884." 

The congregation took action on the same, June 8, 1884; 
the pastoral relation was dissolved at the regular meeting 
of Lebanon Classis convening at Womelsdorf on June 12; 
and his labors in St. John's terminated at the end of the 
month. 

The weight of labor ind of years was felt upon his 
shoulders. In the earlj 70s he had not been well, and on 
that account services were often dispensed with. He 
broke down in June, 1873, and was granted leave of ab- 
sence by the consistory for a time until he should recover. 
In July, 1874, likewise he was autliorized by the consis- 
tory "to take such vacation as the state of his health may 
require." 

During his ministry there were received into the church 
258 persons: 95 by certificate, 131 by confirmation, 23 by 
adult baptism, and 9 by renewal of profession. Accord- 
ing to the church record, he officiated at 103 funerals, 
solemnized 62 marriages, and baptized 207 persons. 

Dr. Johnston was an interesting preacher. As such he 
was widely known, and many traveling people tarrying in 
Lebanon over Sunday would come to hear him preacfi. 
He was a man of deep and wide sympathies, and every 



8o History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

valid human interest appealed to him. He was not only 
pastor of St. John's Church, but all the people of Lebanon 
felt that he belonged to them. A minister of a sister 
church, who knew him well, says that he was the "oracle 
of the town." He was loved by all classes and conditions 
of men. Those who attended funerals at which he offi- 
ciated, can never forget his sympathy and tender words 
and prayers and tears. In the streets and lanes of Leba- 
non will linger for many years the memory of his kindly 
deeds. 

He was the organizer and president of the "Howard 
Association," through which were raised and distributed 
over $5,000 for the relief of the poor. Series of lectures 
were delivered under the auspices of this association, and 
Dr. Johnston was the most popular lecturer. In public 
meetings he was very successful in getting subscriptions 
for this object, and the burden of distribution was largely 
in his hands. 

As a lecturer he was very acceptable, and over $3,000 
was raised thereby for various churches and benevolent 
objects. They were of a humorous and didactic char- 
acter. The most popular were: "What I Know About 
Music," "Love, Courtship and Marriage," and "Cream." 
Their amusing character can be inferred from the conclu- 
sion of the latter : 

"The audience is cream-sated, 
The lecturer should be cremated y 
To escape this horried plight. 
Ladies and gentlemen, I say good-night." 

Other lectures were on "Man and the Universe," "Educa- 
tion," "Self- Application," and "The Aristocracy of 
Mind." Obituary addresses were by request often pub- 
lished in pamphlet form, particularly prior to the Lebanon 



The Second Pastorate — Dr. Johnston. 8i 

pastorate. Likewise sermons were published. As early 
as 1843, while at Phoenixville, a sermon was issued in 
pamphlet on 'Intemperance an Evil." Like Dr. Har- 
baugh, he was very radical on this question in his earlier 
ministry, but became more moderate in after years. He 
often wrote the newpaper carriers' address at New Year. 
In this he was happy. Lectures on the Epistle to the 
Hebrews, comments on consecutive paragraphs, were writ- 
ten while pastor of St. John's for the instruction of the 
congregation. 

In war-time he was loyal to the Union, and his ser- 
mons and addresses thrilled with patriotic fire. The 
church papers frequently received his contributions. 

He wrote quite a bit of poetry, most of which was pub- 
lished in the local papers. During the year 1876, about a 
dozen hymns and poems appeared, mostly in the Times, 
with the prevailing strain of praise to God and love to 
men. He summoned his muse to help in the local charity 
which claimed his attention then in Lebanon, in the verses 
^j>titled 

''consider the poor. 
"Are they not objects of your care ? 
Subjects of your fervent prayer? 
Legacies of your risen Lord, 
Commended to you by His Word ? 

"Did not the blessed Saviour say, 
'With you ye have the poor alway' ?' 
This voice is speaking now to thee, 
'Your deeds to them are deeds to me.' 

"Disciple ! open wide your heart ; 
Let your hand relief impart ! 
Then will your alms, in offVing rise 
As precious incense, to the skies, 



82 History of St. John's Reformed Church, 

'Thus shall you find the promise true 
That in this work there's blessing, too, — 
Blessings to them who now receive, 
Greater to you who freely give/' 

His warm heart and sunny disposition was not in sym- 
pathy with the cold season of the year. He thus expresses 
himself in a poem on "Winter,'^ the last stanza of which 
runs: 

"Oh ! Winter, thou art nature's tomb ! 
Thy vaults are filled with deepest gloom ; 
And did thy reign forever last, 
Mortals would perish in thy blast !" 

We give another example of his poetry under the title, 

"^'a legend. 

"There vv^as a mountain, we are told. 

Whose veins were rich in purest gold ; 

Deep in imbedded rock it lay, 

Far from the searching light of day. 

"Centuries had fled, I ween. 
And yet no mortal eye had seen 
The glitt'ring treasure there in store — 
The precious mass of golden ore. 

"Forth from the cloud the lightning came, 
And wrapt the mountain in a flame ; 
As from a furnace in full glow 
The liquid ore began to flow, 

"Out from every crevice spread, 
A tiny stream, like golden thread ; 
The mountain once so rough and bold 
Now shone a mass of finest gold. 



The Second Pastorate — Dr. Johnston. 83 

•'So human hearts and souls contain 
A hidden mine — a golden vein ; 
The Holy Ghost, His melting glow, 
Alone can make the treasure flow. 

"When thus the Spirit in the heart, 
Spreads His heat through every part, 
Then shall the soul forever shine 
With brilliancy almost divine." 

Urged by the church people of Lebanon, he accepted 
the nomination for School Director, and for two years 
served on the Board, being President thereof. For 15 
years he v/as a Trustee of Palatinate College, and Chair- 
man of the Committee on Instruction and Discipline. In 
the preface of a pamphlet issued by the "Home for Wid- 
ows and Single Women of Lebanon and Vicinity," in 
1884, is this paragraph : 

"We are indebted to Rev. Dr. T. S. Johnston, pastor 
of St. John's Reformed Church, of this place, for the use 
of his study, and especially for his kind interest and valu- 
able assistance in the commencement of our work. To 
the doctor's encouragement is largely owing the present 
effort. Four years ago a similar effort was attempted, 
but without success." 

For five years, beginning with June, 1882, he was 
Treasurer of Lebanon Classis. After that, until his 
death, he was the deputy of Rev. Resser, who succeeded 
him in that position. In keeping with the "boundless 
charity" of Dr. Johnston, we find that his last and crown- 
ing labors were in connection with the Board of Foreign 
Missions. 

The house owned by Dr. J. W. Gloninger, No. 37 
North Tenth Street, was used also by Dr. Johnston as 
the parsonage until after the owner's death, when tbc 



84 History of St. John*s Reformed Church. 

congregation came under obligation for the parsonage 
rent. In January, 1883, Dr. Johnston formally released 
the congregation therefrom. His own house was built 
soon after, No. 323 North Eighth Street. After having 
lived at No. 817 Cumberland Street for four and one- 
half years, the family moved into the new home, and 
there have since resided. 

On May 3, 1887, Dr. Johnston attended the opening 
meeting of the Board of Foreign Missions, in Harris- 
burg. He came home that evening, expecting to returrc 
next day. Feeling very ill, he was unable to do so. On 
May 2y he wrote to a friend, *'I am confined to the bed 
much of the time, and reduced to a mere skeleton and very 
weak. It will be impossible for me to go to General 
Synod. I feel much disappointed, but am submissive to 
the will of God.^^ The end of this useful life came June 
II, 1887, after five weeks' confinement to the house. A 
few days before he died, he wrote on the inside cover of 
his well-worn Pastor's Hand-Book, ''All is peace; Jesus 
looks on me often and smiles; I wish the struggle was 
over, and life was ended.'' His dying whisper was the 
keynote of his life of Christian love, "All one in Christ." 

The funeral was held in the church, and the Sunday- 
school attended in a body. The sermon was preached by 
Dr. B. Bausman, of Reading, on Col. 4 : 7, "A beloved 
brother and a faithful minister and fellow servant in the 
Lord." Drs. Kremer, Wolff, Hiester and McCaulay, 
and Prof. Mull participated in the service. All the mem- 
bers of Lebanon Classis, save one, were present. On his 
tombstone are these true and significant words, ''Being 
dead yet speaketh." 

The consistory passed the following resolutions : 

"Whereas, It has pleased God in His wise and gra- 
cious Providence to call from the labors of earth to the 
rest of heaven, the Rev. Thomas S. Johnstor^, D.D., a 
former pastor of this church ; therefore, 



The Second Pastorate — Dr. Johnston. 85 

''Resolved, That we bow in deep humility before our 
Heavenly Father, in full assurance that all is right that 
seems most wrong, if it be His sweet will. 

''Resolved, That we will ever cherish in fondest memory 
his long pastorate of unselfish devotion to duty, boundless 
charity to the poor, and precious comfort to the sorrow- 
ing. 

"Resolved, That we, as a consistory, tender our sincere 
condolence to the bereaved family and commend them to 
the sustaining grace of the Lord Jesus. 

"Resolved, That we drape the chancel in mourning for 
the period of sixty days, and attend the funeral in a 
body. 

"Resolved, That a copy of the above resolutions be 
transmitted to the family of the deceased, spread upon the 
minutes of the consistory, and be published in the Mes- 
senger and also in the papers of Lebanon. 

"M. B. Scull, 
"D. A. Frantz, 
"C. G. Gerhart, 
"Committee." 



G 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE THIRD PASTORATE REV. RESSER. 

December, 1884— May, 1891. 

EORGE BESORE RESSER, the third pastor of 
St. John's, was born in Waynesboro, Franklin 
County, Pa., December 2, 1850. His parents 
were Jacob B. and Elizabeth Roberts Resser. 
He was baptized March 6, 1852, by Rev. Henry W. 
Super, pastor of Trinity Reformed Church, of which his 
father was then a member. His mother has been a 
member of the Presbyterian Church, and his father now 
belongs to St. PauFs. He was confirmed Saturday even- 
ing, April 21, 1866, by Rev. Walter E. Krebs. Dr. Har- 
baugh preached the sermon on that occasion, a fact which 
Rev. Resser always spoke of with much satisfaction, for 
he was a great admirer of Dr. Harbaugh. 

His early education was received in the public schools 
of Waynesboro. He stopped before graduation, how- 
ever, and began learning the trade of tinsmith. He con- 
tinued for a year or two, and in the fall of 1866 entered 
the Preparatory Department of Mercersburg College 
and remained through the year. During this time he had 
become a member of the Washington Irving Literary 
Society and was a roommate of Prof. Geo. F. Mull. He 
then returned to Waynesboro, completed his term of ap- 
prenticeship in the trade of tinsmith, and continued for a 
time in that occupation. 

Under conviction that he must enter the Gospel min- 
istry, though unable to continue the studies begun with 
that in view for lack of funds, he was none the less deter- 
86 





REV. G. B. RESSER. 



The Third Pastorate — Rev. Resser. 87 

mined to compass this end. Through the influence of 
his pastor, Rev. H. H. W. Hibshman, and others from 
whom he had the assurance of much-needed financial 
assistance, he went to Ursinus College in the fall of 1871, 
remaining one year. His mind, however, had already a 
decidedly churchly bent, and he found it would be more 
congenial to him to continue his studies at Mercersburg, 
which he accordingly did, graduating in 1878. His 
theological training was received in the Seminary at Lan- 
caster, from which he graduated in 1881. 

He was one of the petitioners to Mercersburg Classis 
for the organization of St. Paul's Reformed Church, 
Waynesboro, which was effected August 9, 1873. He 
continued a member of this congregation until he entered 
the ministry. 

His first charge v/as the congregations at Maytown 
and Marietta, the call to which was confirmed by Lan- 
caster Classis, August 5, 1881. He was ordained to the 
holy ministry at Marietta, August 14, 1881, by the com- 
mittee of Classis, consisting of Revs. Dr. E. V. Gerhart, 
J. H. Pannebecker and C. S. Gerhard. Rev. Resser's 
first brief pastorate terminated with the dissolving of the 
pastoral relation, November 23, 1882, when he was dis- 
missed to Maryland Classis to take charge of the Emmits- 
burg and Fairfield congregations. There he ministered 
until he became pastor of St. John's. 

When Dr. Johnston's ofiicial relation to the congrega- 
tion ended, P. S. Greenav/alt became chairman of the 
consistory and D. S. Raber was appointed to have charge 
of correspondence regarding supplies for the pulpit. At 
the consistory meeting of July 2, 1884, this action was 
taken: ''Services in this church are suspended for the 
present. Notice of their resumption will be given by the 
papers of this borough. Sunday-school as usual every 
Sunday morning at 9.15." This notice appeared in the 



88 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

papers of Lebanon every week for over two months, 
though service was sometimes held. Rev. G. B. Resser 
preached September 21, 1884, was recommended by the 
consistory to the congregation for election, October 6, 
and was elected after the Sunday morning service of 
October 26. Prof. Schaeffer, then of Myerstown, held 
the election. The call was duly extended and was borne 
to Emmitsburg by Elder D. S. Raber. It was accepted 
November 4, 1884, and Rev. Resser began his work with 
the congregation December 21. During the months pre- 
ceding, Dr. Higbee very often preached. Rev. Resser 
was formally received by Lebanon Classis, at a special 
meeting held in St. John's Church, March 23, 1885, and 
on April 3 was installed by a committee, consisting of 
Dr. T. S. Johnston, Dr. F. W. Kremer and Dr. J. E. 
Hiester. The opening service was conducted by Dr. 
Hiester, the sermon was preached by Dr. Kremer. The 
office of installation was performed by Dr. Johnston. 

During the interim between pastorates, churches are 
not as a rule very active. They are on the lookout for a 
new shepherd, and contemplated operations must wait 
for the guidance and inspiration of the coming leader. 
With the advent of the third pastor of St. John's, the 
finances of the congregation were reorganized, and all 
the members of the congregation were challenged to take 
part in continuous support of the church. There was a 
general and hearty response; nor was it long until other 
work for some time in contemplation was inaugurated. 
The great body of ministerial and church work is, week 
by week and year by year essentially the same ; but every 
pastorate has its distinguishing features, and every period 
of a church its peculiarly special work. The line of 
activity which especially claimed the attention of St. 
John's during the third pastorate was building — the 
erection of the parsonage and the reconstruction of the 
church. 



The Third Pastorate — Rev. Resser. 89 

In the early years of St. John's, the congregation en- 
joyed the HberaHty of Dr. J. W. Gloninger, who provided 
a home for the pastor, free of rent. It was, of course, 
the congregation's intention from the start to own its 
parsonage, and the site for it was provided in the original 
purchase of ground. 

At a meeting of the congregation, called with this in 
view, June 14, 1885, Dr. Wm. M. Guilford in the 
chair, and W. P. Boger, Secretary, it was decided that 
"the sense of St. John's Reformed congregation is, to 
hasten and proceed with the erection of a parsonage." A 
committee to secure plans and estimates was appointed : 
J. W. Mish, Adam Rise, J. W. Killinger, John Meily, 
Sr., and John Bressler. At a meeting, August 3, the 
same committee was continued, with instructions to pro- 
ceed with the construction of the parsonage according to 
plans submitted. The work was at once begun and rap- 
idly carried forward. It was brought to completion dur- 
ing the fall of 1886. David Walter was the contractor, 
and received for his work $3,879.61. The entire cost of 
the parsonage, as it appears on the congregational min- 
utes of January, 1887, was $5,216.06. To cover this, at 
the date mentioned, $2,034.50 had been raised by sub- 
scriptions, $1,500 was given by the Ladies Mite Society, 
$134.28 by the Sunday-school. 

From the Philip Fisher estate $300 was realized, and 
this was invested in the parsonage property, with the 
understanding that the interest accruing thereon should 
be appropriated by the Trustees, the custodians of the 
fund, to the objects designated in the bequest. A few 
small sums came from other sources. The deficiency 
was covered by executing a mortgage on the parsonage 
property for $1,200; of this amount, $295 was used to 
secure new heaters for the church. 

When Rev. Resser came to Lebanon, he took rooms at 



90 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

the Walmer home, 120 North Eighth Street, and boarded 
at the Valley House. He was married to Miss Grace 
Hotter, October 16, 1885, at Emmitsburg, Md. Rev. and 
Mrs. Resser lived at 120 North Eighth Street until the 
completion of the parsonage, when they occupied it. 

As early as the spring of 1888 the question of recon- 
structing the church came before the congregation, and a 
committee, consisting of Rev. Geo. B. Resser, John Meily 
and C. M. Bowman, was appointed to secure plans and 
estimates. At a meeting, July 16, Rev. Resser resigned 
from the committee, and five persons were added to it: 
Thomas Walmer, J. W. KiUinger, Sr., J. W. Mish, Sr., 
Richard Meily and C. G. Gerhart. Consultations with 
architects continued, and at a meeting of the congrega- 
tion, October 15, Adam Rise, Gilbert DeHuff, C. Shenk 
and John Bressler were added to the committee. The 
whole subject was carefully canvassed by the committee 
as thus enlarged, and in the spring of 1889 the work was 
gotten under v/ay, and provision was made to meet the 
expense. The heading of the subscription list as adopted 
was as follovv^s : 

"We, the undersigned, promise to pay the sums set 
opposite our respective names, for repairs, changes and 
improvements to St. John's R.eformed Church building of 
Lebanon, Pa,, the said sums payable in notes bearing 
interest at 6 per cent, to the treasurer of the committee 
on plans and estimates, in three separate payments as 
follows: the first maturing August i, 1889; the second 
maturing February i, 1890; the third maturing August 
I, 1890.'' 

These extensive improvements, continuing for over a 
year, were brought to completion in May, 1890, and on 
June I, Trinity Sunday, the service of reconsecration was 
held. This account is taken from the Messenger of June 
12 : 



The Third Pastorate — Rev. Resser. 91 

REOPENING OF ST. JOHN's CHURCH, LEBANON, PA. 

Sunday, the ist inst., was a joyous day for the mem- 
bers of St. John's congregation, Rev. Geo. B. Resser, 
pastor. The weather was all that could have been de- 
sired for the reconsecration of their renovated church 
edifice. Services preparatory to the Holy Communion 
were held on Saturday night, at which time Rev. J. M. 
Titzel, D.D., of Lancaster, presided at the altar, and Rev. 
E. R. Eschbach, D.D., of Frederick City, preached an 
admirable sermon based upon Ex. 15 : 27. 

On Sunday miorning, long before the time for service 
had arrived, people were flocking to the church to partici- 
pate in the reconsecration exercises. The liturgical part 
was performed by Rev. J. Spangler Kieffer, D.D., of 
Hagerstown, Md.; the act of reconsecration by the pas- 
tor; and a very able sermon was preached by Rev. S. G. 
Wagner, D.D., of Allentown, from the text i Kings 9: 3. 
In the evening the Holy Communion was celebrated, at 
which the Rev. S. S. Miller, of Boonsboro, Md., assisted 
the pastor, and the Rev. J. Spangler Kieffer, D.D., dis- 
coursed in his usually striking and happy way upon Psalm 
122: I. 

The children of the Sunday-school had their specific 
part in these impressive services at 2 o'clock p. m., and 
were addressed by Rev. A. H. Kremer, D.D., of Carlisle, 
Pa.; Rev. W. M. Reilly, Ph.D., of Allentown, Pa.; W. 
Rush Gillan, Esq., of Chambersburg, Pa.; and Elder 
Barnhart, of Greensburg, Pa. • 

No effort at a penned description would give anyone an 
adequate idea of the extent to which St. John's Church 
has been changed and beautified, actual observation is 
necessary for that. The general style of architecture re- 
mains, a combination of Romanesque and square. Addi- 
tions were made to one end of the building in order to se- 



92 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

cure a new organ chamber and stairway. The chancel was 
deepened and spanned by one graceful arch, instead of 
three, as before. A smaller arch has been constructed on 
either side of the chancel under the eastern one, of which 
a beautiful niche is formed. The ceiling has been raised 
and divided into panels. The surface of the walls is 
finished in sand finish and decorated in a rich and most 
handsome manner; all the edges of the timbers, the 
carvings of the arch facings, the caps and bases of the 
Corinthian columns supporting the arches, being beauti- 
fully touched with gold leaf. The old windows have 
been displaced by mosaics, in the auditorium, and leaded 
in the other parts of the church. The auditorium is 
lighted by two large silver chandeliers, combination gas 
and electric, and each newel of the chancel railing bears 
a stem crowned with twenty-one gas jets. The entire 
woodwork, except the beams of the ceiling, is oak, with 
dull oil finish. The arrangement of the chancel furniture 
is on the general plan of the Reformed Churches on the 
Continent. The magnificent pipe organ, placed in the 
arch west of the chancel, is the work of the Miller Organ 
Company, of Lebanon ; the architectural design was made 
by Mr. R. H. Roby, also a resident of the city. The 
windows were furnished by the Beltsher Mosaic Window 
Company, of New York City. The frescoing was done 
by Mr. Scattaglia, of Philadelphia, and the wood finish 
by Mr. Jesse Gerhart, of Lebanon. The work was all 
superintended by a committee of twelve members of the 
congregation, of which Elder John Meily was chairman, 
who have placed the congregation under lasting obliga- 
tion for the very successful manner in which they have 
performed the trust committed to them. 

The entire cost of the work, according to the report 
of the Building Committee to the congregation, January, 



The Third Pastorate — Rev. Resser. 93 

1892, was $15,972.47. It will be interesting to note the 
outlay for some of the items : Extending the north end 
of the church, $725; mill work and lumber, $5,242.38; 
windows, $1,940; decorating ceiling and walls, $945; 
new organ, with the old organ given in exchange, $2,300 ; 
pews, $926.80; architect, $558.40; tiling vestibule, 
$122.22; lectern, $69.90; altar, which was purchased by 
the consistory, $280. 

The reconstruction of the church involved considerably 
more expense than was originally intended, but the work 
done was of the very highest order, and will last for 
many years. Beyond question, the auditorium of St. 
John's Church is one of the most beautiful in the Re- 
formed Church. The members of the church had con- 
tributed liberally to this object, and the societies did very 
effective work. The Ladies Mite Society gave $1,500, 
the Sunday-school $1,200, the Society of Church Work 
$425; but there remained at the beginnmg of 1892 a 
debt of about $5,000 from the reconstruction, and the 
removal of this challenged the efforts of the congregation 
for a number of years. 

The activities of this pastorate terminated in the spring 
of 1 89 1. Rev. Resser's resignation was presented tO' the 
consistory March 22, and was accepted by the congrega- 
tion April 8. The pastoral relation was dissolved by 
Lebanon Classis at its annual meeting held at Schaef- 
ferstown. May 6, and took effect at the end of the same 
month. 

The resolutions adopted by the consistory, April 5, 
1 89 1, and ratified by the congregation three days later, 
are as follows : 

Whereas, Rev. Geo. B. Resser, pastor of St. John's 
Reformed Church, has tendered his resignation, to accept 
a unanimous call to the First Church, Hanover, York 
County, Pa. ; and. 



94 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

Whereas^ After serving six years as the pastor of this 
congregation, this involves the severing of many tender 
ties; therefore, 

Resolved, That, while we deeply regret the severance 
of our relations as pastor and people, we would have him 
take with him to his new field of labor in the vineyard of 
the Lord, this expression of our warm love and high 
regard for him as a man and as a minister of God. 

Resolved, That we bear testimony to the tender shep- 
herding care he has ahvays bestowed upon his flock, shar- 
ing all their trials and sorrows, and rejoicing when they 
rejoiced, as he gently led them along the way of life, ever 
faithful and true to every trust in the discharge of his 
duties to God and man. 

Resolved, That, as we pray that God's richest blessings 
may ever attend him, we renew in this our time of trial, 
our faith in the promise of the Great Head of the Church 
that ''AH things work together for good to them wlio 
love the Lord.'' W. T. Frantz, Secretary. 

During this busy pastorate, 99 persons were received 
into the membership of the congregation: 36 by certifi- 
cate, 59 by confirmation, 4 by adult baptism. The church 
register records for this period, 63 baptisms, 14 mar- 
riages, and 25 deaths. 

Rev. Resser began his labors at Hanover immediately 
after leaving St. John's, and enjoyed a very successful 
pastorate until his death, which cam.e as a great sliock to 
all on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 16, 1901. Emman- 
uel congregation was engaged in erecting a new churcli. 
In this work, as during the reconstruction of St. John's, 
t1ie details were all carefully looked after by Rev. Resser, 
v^^liose careful oversight forbade that anything sliould pass 
from th^ workmen's hands incomplete. Having been a 



The Third Pastorate — Rev. Resser. 95 

tinsmith, it was most natural for him to go without fear 
into places of danger. The shell of the church was being 
completed by the placing of a large stone cross at the peak 
of the front gable. For this purpose, a platform had been 
temporarily erected about 45 feet from tlie ground. The 
practiced eye of Rev. Resser discovered that the cross was 
not quite plumb, and on the fatal afternoon he hastily 
mounted the scaffolding to have the defect corrected. 
In coming upon the platform, he stepped on the loose 
end of a board, and fell headlong to the ground, striking 
several cross-timbers with the back of his head in the 
descent. He was picked up in an unconscious condition, 
and carried to his home, where he received the best medi- 
cal attention, but he never recovered consciousness, and 
died about 20 minutes after the accident. 

The funeral was held on Saturday afternoon, April 20, 
in the chapel of Emmanuel Church, and, though the day 
was most inclement, an immense throng attended. The 
services were conducted by Dr. E. R. Eschbach. The 
sermon was preached by Dr. J. C. Bowman, and ad- 
dresses were delivered by Dr. J. Spangler Kieffer and 
Rev. W. I. Stuart. The remains were interred in Mount 
Olivet Cemetery, by the grave of his only daughter, who 
died about three years before. 

It was a fine tribute to the memory of the beloved 
brother that so many ministers and friends came to the 
funeral, not a few from a great distance, on a Saturday 
and a rainy day. Those who came from Lebanon were 
Mrs. C. M. Bowman, Mrs. Mary A. Gilroy, Mrs. John 
Meily, Miss Sue M. DeHuff, Miss Catharine R. Bibig- 
haus, Mrs. Martha Ross, Dr. Redsecker, Charles Greena- 
walt and Rev. H. H. Ranck. 

On Wednesday evening, April 17, vSt. John's congre- 
gation held a memorial service, at which the anniversary 
addresg delivered by Rev. Resser preeigely one year be-- 



96 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

fore, was read, with the exception of a few paragraphs, as 
the proper expression of the congregation's feeling on 
that occasion. Three of Rev. Resser's favorite hymns 
were sung: "Jesus, I Live to Thee,'' "Lord, in This Thy 
Mercy's Day," and "Lead Kindly Light." A few re- 
marks were made by the pastor. 

Rev. Resser is affectionately remembered not only by 
St. John's congregation, but also by many people of 
Lebanon. No pastor after Dr. Harbaugh entered more 
sympathetically into the characteristic life of St. John's 
than did Rev. Resser. The introduction of a number of 
practices bearing the churchly stamp testify to this. There 
was no finer liturgist in the Reformed Church. There 
was a compelling charm in his refined character, and to 
know him was to love him. We leave it to others, how- 
ever, who knew him long and well, to pay tribute to his 
memory. 

Rev. Resser was frequently honored by his brethren 
with places of trust. He was elected President of Poto- 
mac Synod at Baltimore, 1899, and at the time of his 
death was a member of the Synodical Board of Educa- 
tion. 

The following tender tribute to Rev. Resser was 
spoken by Dr. Bowman at the funeral : 

"May I speak a few loving words of him as I had 
known him from boyhood days? When our friends are 
gone, we think of them with all the intensity of our love, 
and as I have thought of him during the last few 
days and nights (for however occupied, we all could 
think of nothing else but him by day and by night,) as I 
have thought of him there has come to me a peculiar joy, 
a relief of the great sorrow, as I reviewed and reflected 
upon his beautiful and noble life. I knew him as a boy 
in the Preparatory School at Mercersburg, as a boy al- 
waj^s bearing the impress of careful Christian home nur- 



The Third Pastorate — Rev. Resser. 97 

ture — always doing faithfully the work assigned to him, 
a boy straight and good and true, controlled by lofty prin- 
ciples, high ideals — a boy consecrated to God. Out of 
such a boy developed the young man as he was known in 
College and Seminary, a young man of noble manhood, 
always making earnest with the duties of the hour, pur- 
suing faithfully his work of preparation for the holy min- 
istry. 

''Of his earnest, efficient work in the ministry at Mari- 
etta, Emmitsburg, Fairfield and Lebanon, time will not 
permit me to speak. I need but say that in every field of 
labor his work bore the stamp of his character. Always 
diligent, faithful, never slighting his preparation for the 
pulpit, or the general work of the pastorate; standing 
ready to help wherever help was needed ; always moving 
on a high spiritual plane, magnifying his office as a min- 
ister of Christ and as a steward of the mysteries of God. 

"Thus strong in Christian manhood and in the maturity 
of his powers, as a minister of Christ he became the pastor 
of this church. Of his ten-years' pastorate of Emmanuel 
Church who can estimate his influence as measured by the 
past and the future? Elere, as elsewhere, all alike bear 
testimony to his efficient labors as preacher and pastor, a 
ministry characterized by watchfulness, precision in small 
things and great; earnest, faithful in all things; thor- 
oughly consecrated to the high and holy calling of the 
ministry; *a good shepherd giving his life for the sheep.' 
St. John 10: II, 'The good shepherd giveth his life for 
the sheep.' That was the text chosen and marked by 
him for the next Lord's Day. 

"There is no mystery in his selection of such a theme. 
We view the coincidence with pathetic interest. In the 
text, 'The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep,' 
are most beautifully and forcibly illustrated the character 
and ministry of our departed brother. He has preached 



98 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

the sermon, and he has preached it well. Throughout his 
ministry he preached it day by day, ever giving his Hfe 
for the sheep. He died, as he Hved, in the service of the 
Master. No, he is not dead; he is risen, he hves. He 
hves here. Such a hfe, such a ministry, never ends. I 
have yet another word to speak to you. I hope it may 
not be a painful w^ord. Later on vve shall think more 
upon the life and character of our departed brother, and 
of his faithful ministry, and we shall think less upon the 
manner of his departure. We are apt to say now, *ll 
Vvas an awful calamity.' On every side is that repeated. 
We speak thus because our hearts are bleeding, because 
of what we suffer. Ah, it is a great calamity to make a 
misstep, a m.isstep from the path of righteousness, and 
tlms to miar the soul and deface the image of God. We 
thank God that it was by no such misstep that our brother 
fell. He fell at the foot of the cross, having borne the 
cross throughout his life. It is no calamity; it is a glo- 
rious act to lay down one's life for the sheep, to die ir. 
the faithful discharge of duty, with the armor on in the 
midst, in the front of life's conflict, to die in loving devo- 
tion to the Master and His flock. He was preparing to 
rear the cross, the symbol of God's suffering love, and no 
less the symbol of man's self-sacrificing love for God and 
man. With mind intent upon the cross — the symbol of 
love and of life — he departed, bearing in his body the 
marks of the Lord Jesus. Tliat cross has been set in 
place as he designed it should be, and you will think of it 
and the new church building which it adorns, not sadly 
or unhappily I hope. May I ask you to think of it hap- 
pily, as you think of it in relation to the departed pastor 
and in its relation to all for which it stands. Let it be 
pleasantly associated in m.emory with the noble character 
and faithful ministry of a beloved pastor, and let it be to 
you all a daily reminder of the love of Christ, which shall 



The Third Pastorate — Rev. Resser. 99 

constrain you to a life of ceaseless devotion to His service. 
"Soon we shall bear the remains of our dear brother to 
the burial plot which was swept and trimmed by his own 
hands on the day of his departure. And as we rever- 
ently and lovingly lay his body in the tomb, in our hearts 
we shall sing, not the sad dirge, 'Hark, from the tomb a 
doleful sound,' for from this tomb there will come no dole- 
ful sound ; but we will sing the triumphant songs of faith 
and hope which our beloved brother with his sweet voice 
so loved to sing : 

" 'My faith looks up to Thee, 
Thou Lamb of Calvary.^ 

" 'When ends life's transient dream. 
When death's cold swollen stream 
Shall o'er me roll. 
Blest Saviour, then in love 
Fear and distrust remove ; 
Oh ! bear me safe above, 
A ransomed soul.' 

"And that hymn of unswerving faith and peaceful resig- 
nation, which came by inspiration from the heart of the 
poet-preacher. Dr. Harbaugh: 

" 'Jesus, I live to Thee 

Whenever death shall come ; 
To die in Thee is life to me 
In my eternal home. 

" 'Whether to live or die 
I know not which is best ; 
To live in Thee is bliss to me, 
To die is endless rest.' " 



loo History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

An additional tribute from Dr. Bowman appeared in 
the Messenger of May 9, 1901 : 

'^'iN MEMORIAM. 

"It is a very great loss to the Church when a minister, 
in the full vigor of life, is suddenly removed by death, as 
in the recent sad instance of the decease of Rev. George 
B. Resser. The Church generally mourns his departure 
because of what he was as a Christian man and minister, 
and because of the valuable services he rendered to the 
Church throughout his ministry. Every interest of the 
Church was dear to his heart. With constant devotion 
did he labor for the advancement of every department of 
Church life and work. On him could the Classis and the 
Synod always count as a friend loyal and true. His love 
for the Church was the sure pledge of faithful service. 
When such a minister departs, the Church generally has 
cause to mourn. 

*'Rev. Resser was a pastor of the highest type. He 
loved his congregation individually. He sustained a close 
personal relation to every member of his flock. There 
was no suggestion of perfunctoriness in his pastoral work. 
It was all the labor of love. He not only kept his people 
in mind ; he kept them in his heart. This was the secret 
of his helpfulness. Love is always helpful. To such a 
kind, loving pastor, all the members of the flock will be 
tenderly and deeply bound. On him they depend for 
counsel, and for loving sympathy, as on no other. And 
when he departs, the congregation and the community 
have great cause to mourn, as the people of Hanover now 
do mourn. 

*'But all is not said by way of just tribute, that can be 
said, or should be said, when the character and work of 
the Christian minister are contemplated in relation to the 
Church and the congregation. 



The Third Pastorate — Rev. Resser. loi 

*'The minister in his home, — that is the first and the 
best test. Not as host — for here the relation is partly 
public — but as husband and father. 

"Rev. Resser experienced both the joys and the sorrow 
of a father. Three years ago, the only child, little Alice, 
by a dread disease was taken away. Sorrow for an only 
child ! Bereaved parents alone know v/hat that is. Rev. 
Resser bore that sorrow as a man of strong faith, and with 
a hope that wavered not. He continued to be a father in 
his home, though the daughter was removed. His love 
for her grew with the passing months and years, enrich- 
ing the father heart, and daily brightening the home. Of 
Alice he would often speak with a face brightened witn a 
smile, as though she were still present. She was present, 
always in his heart. 

*'Of the husband — may one venture to write at such a 
time of a relation so tender and sacred? But a word, 
and this that we may better know the man and honor his 
memory. 

*'A Christian husband, — kind, considerate, deferential, 
true and good ; this is a tribute which needs to be placed 
side by side with, if not above, the many just praises of 
the faithful servant of the Lord who has entered into his 
reward. 

"The efficient cause of the successful ministry of Rev. 
Resser is to be found largely in the character and life of 
the husband and father, who fulfilled so beautifully the 
relations of love within the home. 

"The wife mourns his departure, as no other can, for 
her loss is the greatest. In her deep sorrow she is com- 
forted by the kindly expressions of sympathy extended 
to her by the bereaved congregation and by friends more 
remote. And a grateful solace it must be to her to hear 
the many worthy tributes paid to the memory of the able 
preacher and self-sacrificing pastor. But the memory 



102 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

which she will ever cherish with greatest joy will be that 
of the devoted Christian husband/^ 

In the Messenger of May 2, Dr. J. Spangler Kieffer 
wrote as follows in his weekly letter : 

""a tribute of affection. 

"The painful and distressing circumstances of the death 
of the Rev. George Besore Resser, pastor of Emmanuel's 
Reformed Church, Hanover, Pa., are already known to 
the readers of the Messenger. It is not the purpose of 
this communication either to report these, or to rehearse 
the particulars of the life and labors of our brother, which 
will no doubt be given by some one whose knowledge of 
them is fuller and more exact than that of the writer. We 
propose merely to write a few words of affectionate re- 
membrance of one who was a dear friend ; of one who was 
a friend of many, of the writer among the rest. 

"We cannot remember the time when we first became 
acquainted with Brother Resser. We knew him slightly, 
or rather knew of him, when he was a student at Mercers- 
burg College. As a boy and a young man he was a mem- 
ber of Trinity Reformed Church, Waynesboro, Pa., whose 
distinction and honor it is to have given to the Reformed 
Church perhaps a larger number of ministers than any 
other individual congregation. Feeling himself, like oth- 
ers before him, called of God to be a minister of the 
Gospel, he entered Mercersburg College for the purpose 
of preparing himself for that sacred calling. Mercers- 
burg College, during the comparatively brief term of its 
existence as a college, lived an intense life, wielded a 
powerful influence, and left a very distinct mark, trace- 
able to this day, upon those who received their education 
there. First under the presidency of Rev. Dr. T. G. 
Apple, and afterwards under that of Rev. Dr. E. E. 
Higbee, it left a lifelong and beneficent impression upon 



The Third Pastorate — Rev. Resser. 103 

the intellectual and moral character of its students. 
Among the ministers of the Reformed Church there is a 
relatively small but very noticeable class composed of 
those who were taught and trained at Mercersburg Col- 
lege. A certain characteristic spirit, certain character- 
istic qualities, which it would be difficult to defnie, they 
possess in common. As a class they seem to have some- 
thing of that love of intellectual things, that passion for 
study, that enthusiasm for learning, something also of 
that still greater reverence for things moral and spiritual 
and that nobler passion for a life of service and sacrifice, 
with which Mercersburg College seemed to possess the 
power of inspiring its students. They carried away from 
college with them a certain spirit, a certain way of look- 
ing at things which, after all, is the most significant and 
important thing which students carry away from the in- 
stitution in which they are bred. They, and their activ- 
ities and labors, are an honorable memorial to the insti- 
tution in which they were educated and the teachers by 
whose influence their minds and characters were formed. 

"To this class the Rev. Mr. Resser belonged. If we are 
not mistaken, his college course fell chiefly or altogether 
in the time of the presidency of Rev. Dr. Higbee ; at least 
the marks of Dr. Higbee's influence was strong upon him, 
as it is upon others to this day. His theological prepara- 
tion was made at Lancaster, to which place the theological 
seminary had not long before been removed from Mer- 
cersburg. Thus he received the best preparation for his 
chosen vocation which the institutions of the Church were 
capable of giving. It was a preparation diligently and. 
industriously acquired; it was a preparation laboriously 
and faithfully used when found. 

"Rev. Resser's first service in the ministry was within 
the bounds of the Lancaster Classis. Our acquaintance 
with him properly began when, as pastor of the Emmitts- 



104 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

burg charge, he became a member of the Maryland Clas- 
sis; was continued when he became pastor of St. John's 
Church, at Lebanon, Pa., where more than once we wit- 
nessed his laborious and faithful activity as a minister; 
was extended, within more recent years, when he was 
serving the charge which proved to be his last. Within 
the last several years of his life, circumstances caused us 
to meet each other more frequently and to know each 
other better. It was then by means of repeated inter- 
views and conversations in his study, that his personality 
was revealed to us; it was then that we learned to know 
him, and to honor and love him. 

"We knew Brother Resser as a student; we saw him, 
indeed, most frequently in his study, among his books, in 
that part of his work which naturally brings the student 
into prominence. He had an active, inquiring, studious 
mind. He was interested in the things pertaining to the 
intellect and the intellectual life ; he did not despise liter- 
ature. Especially was he interested in theology, and al- 
ways ready for the consideration and discussion of theo- 
logical questions. He knew the place of theology; he 
valued it for the sake of religion, of which it is the philos- 
ophy, and in whose service it is to be used as an instru- 
ment. He knew that the minister, while he needs to be 
much more than that, needs to be a theologian ; and that, 
while much of his work needs to be done outside the 
study, no inconsiderable portion must be done in it. He 
was well balanced; he fell into neither one extreme nor 
the other in regard to these matters. He was a student; 
he had regard for the things of the intellect. He was a 
student of theology; above all, he was a reverent student 
of God's Word. And so he was always learning, and 
always growing. A friend who visited the grave, in Italy, 
of the English historian, John Richard Greene, tells us 
that on his monument is written the inscription, 'He died 



The Third Pastorate — Rev. Resser. 105 

learning/ The same might be written over the grave of 
this our brother. 

"But the thing which interested us most in our friend 
was his disposition, his personaHty, he himself. After all, 
the most significant and important thing about a man is, 
not what he thinks or what he knows, but his disposition, 
the spirit he is of, his sacred and inviolable, persistent and 
unalterable individuality. Every individuality is interest- 
ing. It is said of one who a few years ago exercised a 
powerful influence on the thought of the country in regard 
to religious, moral and social questions, that *he impressed 
you as if he had long been waiting to know you, as if, 
would you only confide in him, you could tell him some- 
thing of inestimable value. It was the same with all, espe- 
cially with the students with whom he came in contact. 
He treated them with reverence, as if there were in each 
an idea of God incorporated, which could be safely in- 
trusted to him, which it was important that he should 
know.' 

"The individuality of Brother Resser, as revealed to 
those in whom he confided, was one of singular gentle- 
ness, kindness, aft'ectionateness. Student as he was, his 
chief passion was not the passion for thinking and know^- 
ing. He belonged characteristically and essentially, not 
to the class that 'loves to know,' but to the class that 'loves 
to love.' His was an attractive and winning personality ; 
he drew others to himself. He possessed charm — the 
charm of a kind heart. It was this that made him the 
pastor that he was. It is no wonder that, whatever con- 
gregation he served, the people loved him. It is no won- 
der that not only the members of the congregation, but 
the people of the community in general, in the midst of 
which his useful life came to an end, were deeply attached 
to him, and grieve over his death as a great affliction and 
loss. It is a great and high thing to be a good pastor, 



lo6 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

loving and caring for the people, and, by means of loving 
them, possessing the power to instruct them and to guide 
them in right ways. 

"The life of our brother was not without its great sor- 
row. Three years before his own death, came to him and 
his wife a great and terrible affliction in the death of a 
dear and only child. This was perhaps the greatest edu- 
cating influence by which his life was affected. Sorrow 
is a great educator. God places us in many schools ; per- 
haps the greatest of these is the school of sorrow; there 
we learn most. The death of little Alice affected the 
father's life in many ways. From the time of its occur- 
rence all things seemed to have reference to it, all events 
to be dated from it. But it was blessed of God to the 
deepening and enriching of his spiritual life, to the con- 
firmation of his faith and hope in Christ. Reticent as he 
was in regard to his own sorrow, one could see how deep 
the arrow had entered into his heart. It was not per- 
mitted, however, to interfere with his activity, which 
toward the close, seemed to become more intense. Much 
of his thought and activity during the last year or two of 
his life, was occupied with the erection of the noble and 
beautiful church, which will stand as a memorial of his 
noble and beautiful ministry. To the construction of this 
building he gave, being qualified by his mechanical knowl- 
edge to do so, an intelligent and helpful supervision. Jt 
was his anxiety that every part of the work should be 
thoroughly and exactly, honestly and conscientiously done, 
that became the occasion of his death. On the distressing 
circumstances of his death one does not like to dwell. 
Yet it seems not altogether without significance that the 
close of his earthly life was directly connected with the 
completion, so far as the exterior is concerned, of the 
church building on the erection of which his heart was 
set. 

**We remember that our brother once in a conversation, 



The Third Pastorate — Rev. Resser. 107 

introduced with some evidence of anxiety and disturbance 
of mind, tlie subject of growing old in the ministry. He 
was looking forward; he saw, or thought he saw, signs 
indicating that the services of ministers who had become 
old were no longer desired. He seemed to be anticipating 
a time when, as in some cases he pointed out, just because 
he would have grown old, there might be a desire to dis- 
pense with his services. We remember now how we dis- 
cussed the matter; and we think how needless, in his 
case, the anxiety was. To him it was not given to grov\^ 
old; we are very much of the opinion that there was 
something in him that never would have grown old. The 
question of being 'dispensed with' on the ground of age 
never arose for him. It was his lot to pass away in the 
full possession of his powers and in the full tide of his 
activity ; while actually engaged in doing the last piece of 
work upon which he had been passionately intent; the 
only question being, how he could possibly be spared. 
He did with his might the thing which his hand found to 
do. He did his work ; and God took him ; and all is well. 
"All is well ; but it is an act of faith to see and feel that 
all is well, and to say, 'God's will be done.' We are writ- 
ing this poor tribute of affection not without sympathetic 
remembrance of those to whom our brother's death is a 
sore affliction and a severe trial of faith; of his wife, and 
her now doubly desolated life; of his aged parents; of 
his sisters and his brother; of his parishioners; whom 
may God mercifully comfort in their sorrow." 

At a meeting of the consistory of Emmanuel's Reform- 
ed Church, of Hanover, Pa., the following action was 
taken in memory of Rev. George B. Resser and published 
in the Messenger of May 9 : 

'^TRIRUTE TO THE MEMORY OF REV. GEORGE B. RESSER. 

"With profound sorrow do the consistory of Emman- 



io8 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

uel Reformed Church mourn the departure of their be- 
loved pastor, Rev. George B. Resser. His death coming, 
as it did, with the swiftness of a moment, has caused 
poignant grief throughout the Church, wherever the name 
and character of the deceased pastor were known. Upon 
those who stood nearest to him has the sudden blow fallen 
most heavily, and their hearts are most sorely oppressed 
with the weight of sorrow and bereavement. 

"But faith and hope are for the night-time as well as for 
the day. It is in the dark hour of trial that they yield 
their richest fruit. So have we been repeatedly taught by 
our departed pastor; and now in our sorrow we would 
submissively rest our hearts upon the precious Gospel of 
comfort which he so faithfully preached. 

''At the same time that we mourn over his sudden re- 
moval, our grief is assuaged by the memory of his ten 
years' pastorate. Lovingly and gratefully do we bear 
testimony to his noble manhood, his exemplary life — in 
word and deed, his earnest and effective preaching of the 
Gospel, his affectionate pastoral ministrations, his unfal- 
tering devotion — day after day, to the service of God and 
of his fellowmen. We shall ever cherish his memory as a 
man of God whose influence abides with us, guiding and 
helping us to a fuller realization of the Gospel of faith 
and love to which he constantly bore witness in his life 
as a Christian man and minister. 

*'We pray that the bereaved wife, parents, kindred, and 
great multitude of sorrowing friends, may be comforted 
and sustained by the blessed consolations of the Gospel. 
And we pn.y that all the members of the bereaved flock 
may honor the memory of their good and faithful shep- 
herd by striving daily to imitate the virtues of his noble 
character and his example of self-sacrificing love and 
devotion to the service of the Master. 

"Signed by the consistory, in behalf of the members of 
Emmanuel Reformed Church at Hanover, Pa.'^ 




KEY. W. J. JUllXSOX. 



w 



CHAPTER X. 

THE FOURTH PxVSTORATE REV. JOHNSON. 

November, 1891— October, 1898. 

ARREN J. JOHNSON, the fourth pastor of 
St. John's, was born in Philadelphia, November 
1 8, i860, and was baptized in infancy by the 
Rev. Dr. N. Gehr. His father was a wholesale 
merchant in Philadelphia, and the son inherited an incli- 
nation for a mercantile life. A pious mother's solicita- 
tion, however, placed him in an environment in which he 
felt the constraining call to the ministry. After a full 
classical course in F. & M. Academy and College, he 
graduated as salutatorian of the class of 1882. During 
his college course he was senior editor of the College 
Student, making a trip throughout eastern Pennsylvania 
amongst the alumni of the college in behalf of the Stu- 
dent, increasing its circulation and the interest in this 
organ of the college. During his course in the Theolog- 
ical Seminary he was assistant to Dr. F. A. Cast as li- 
brarian of the Seminary. From this institution he grad- 
uated in May, 1885. Months before completing his sem- 
inary course he was called to the pastorate of the Man- 
heim charge. Immediately upon graduation he assumed 
charge thereof at a critical juncture in its congregational 
history. In the Manheim church he was ordained to the 
Christian ministry, June 7, 1885, by Rev. Dr. E. V. Ger- 
hard, President of the Theological Seminary, Rev. Dr. 
J. H. Dubbs, Professor of History in F. & M. College, 
and Rev. W. F. Lichliter, of St. Luke's Reformed church, 
Lancaster. During this same month the degree of Mas- 
ter of Arts was conferred by Franklin & Marshall Col- 

109 



no History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

lege. After a pastorate at Manheim of five and one-half 
years, during which the active membership was doubled 
and the church enlarged and remodeled at great cost, he 
accepted a call to St. Paul's church, Baltimore, Md., 
where he enjoyed a very successful pastorate until No- 
vember, 1 89 1, when he became pastor of St. John's church, 
Lebanon. 

In 1893 he was a member of the ^''World's Parlia- 
ment of Religions,'^ held in Chicago, in connection with 
the World's Fair. During his pastorate in Lebanon lie 
was a member of the Board of Trustees of Synod, and 
president of that body. He continued pastor of St. John's 
for seven years, when he resigned to accept a call to the 
Church of the Ascension, Norristown, Pa. 

His pastorate there terminated, July, 1899. For several 
years his health had been somewhat impaired and he was 
constrained to resign at Norristown because of an attack 
of nervous typhoid followed by nervous prostration. He 
tl^en moved to Lancaster, where through rest and careful 
medical attention his health has greatly improved. It 
was greatly regretted that he could not be present and 
take part in the 40th anniversary of St. John's. 

Five months intervened between the third and fourth 
pastorates, during which the pulpit was filled from Sab- 
bath to Sabbath by various ministers of the Church and 
students of the Seminary. Rev. Warren J. Johnson 
preached, Sunday, June 14th, and on Wednesday eve- 
ning, July 29th, was duly elected. The call was at once 
extended but was not accepted until the early part of Oc- 
tober. He was received at a special meeting of Lebanon 
Classis, held in St. John's church, October 31, and on 
Sunday evening, November i, 1891, was installed pas- 
tor. Rev. O. P. Steckel, pastor of St. Mark's church, 
preached the sermon, and Dr. Klopp, pastor of Tabor 
church, conducted the service. Dr. J. E. Hiester, of 



The Fourth Pastorate — Rev. Johnson. iii 

Annville, the third member of the committee as appointed 
by Classis, was not present. 

There was yet considerable work to be done in connec- 
tion with the reconstruction of the church, and the pastor 
joined at once with the congregation to effect this. A 
number of improvements were made in ^92 and ^93. The 
walls were pointed, the window-frames and tower en- 
trances were painted. The mosaic windows not being 
proof against rain, were repaired and better ventilation 
was secured for the auditorium. The newel-lights in the 
central vestibule were given by Mr. C. G. Gerhart to the 
memory of his wife, Mrs. Catharine Gerhart. The two 
chancel chairs were the gift of Mrs. John Meily, Mrs. 
Richard Meily and Miss Sue DeHuff to the memory of 
Mrs. Margaret DeHuff and Mrs. Catharine Gloninger. 
On the backs of the respective chairs, in raised letters. 
are the words, "In Memoriam M. D." and 'Tn Memoriam 
C. G." The pulpit chairs were also memorial gifts, the 
one by Charles McLaughlin to his wife Catharine and 
son Paul, the other by Mrs. Henry Wagner to her hus- 
band. The lectern Bible was donated by the pastor's Bi- 
ble class, the altar hymn books by Misses Nan, Catharine 
and Harriett Bibighaus, the cross on the altar by the Sun- 
day-school classes of Mrs. C. M. Bowman, Mrs. Geo. W. 
Kochenaur, and Miss Irene Bentz. 

The heating apparatus of the parsonage was unsatisfac- 
tory, and during the summer of 1893 a steam plant was 
substituted for the hot-air heating. The work was done 
by McLaughlin & Co., for the sum of $325. 

From the time of the reconstruction, the societies of the 
church worked continuously to pay off the debt, and con- 
tributions came occasionally for the sam.e purpose, but it 
was felt that a concerted effort should be made to liquidate 
it entirely. On September 13, 1892, a joint meeting of 
the building committee, the trustees and consistory was 
held with this in view. Of the building committee were 



112 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

present, C. Shenk, J. H. Bressler, John Meily, T. S. Wal- 
mer, A. G. DeHuff, and C. G. Gerhart; of the trustees. 
Dr. Wm. M. Guilford, T. P. Frantz, Jesse Gerhart, and 
C. N. Seidle; of the consistory, W. P. Coldren, P. R. 
Rohrer, D. A. Frantz, C. M. Bowman, P. S. Greenawalt, 
and W. T. Frantz. J. H. Bressler was appointed chair- 
man and W. T. Frantz secretary. The following action 
was taken, that ''we make 500 shares at $10 per share, 
with the privilege of taking one-half or one-quarter share ; 
also with the privilege of paying it in two years." The 
plan was generally approved, and during the winter, sub- 
scriptions were secured. By February, 1893, there yet 
remained 120 shares to be taken. The effort was still con- 
tinued, but the committee did not succeed in disposing of 
all the shares. Unfortunately, about this time there was 
great business depression throughout the country and at 
Lebanon it was especially severe because of its dependence 
on the iron industry. St. John's suffered greatly through 
this period of hard times, and this interfered very much 
with the full success of the work of liquidation. There 
seems to have been an understanding, moreover, at the 
outset that if the entire amount should not be subscribed 
none would be held under obligation to pay. Some found 
excuse in this and paid nothing; a goodly number, how- 
ever, paid their entire subscriptions or a portion thereof. 
The outcome of the effort, in spite of all obstacles, proved 
of great benefit to the congregation and the debt was con- 
siderably reduced. 

The sum total of the congregation's outstanding obli- 
gations, April I, 1897, was $3800. On the recommenda- 
tion of the trustees, a mortgage on the parsonage for this 
amount was executed at 5 J per cent, interest, payable 
semi-annually, the insurance policy thereon being trans- 
ferred as collateral security. 

A pew-renting system was adopted in 1894, and the 
current income for a while increased. During the sum- 



The Fourth Pastorate — Rev. Johnson. 113 

mer of 1897 an excellent brick pavement was laid in front 
of the church, the money for it being furnished by the 
Young People's Society. 

Rev. Johnson presented his resignation, September 2, 
1898, and the labors of the fourth pastorate terminated 
October 15. The following appreciative resolutions were 
passed by the congregation : 

Lebanon, Pa., Sept. 16, 1898. 
Whereas, Rev. Warren J. Johnson having received a 
call from the Reformed Church of the Ascension, of Nor- 
ristown, Pa., has resigned as pastor of St. John's congre- 
gation, and our congregation has accepted his resigna- 
tion, therefore be it 

Resolved, That the seven years during which Rev. W. 
J. Johnson was pastor of the St. John's congregation con- 
stitute a period of great spiritual growth and prosperity. 
That after the example of the great Shepherd, he made 
his flock "to lie down in green pastures" and led them 
^'beside the still waters." 

That while the congregation deeply regret the breaking 
of his pastoral relation to St. John's, they yet bow in hum- 
ble submission to the higher call of the Lord. 

That St. John's congregation will ever pray for his fu- 
ture success in the high and holy calling to which he is 
devoted. 

Cyrus Boger, 

J. H. Alleman, 

W. P. Coldren, 

Mrs. Richard Meily, 

Mrs. S. G. Slike, 

Mrs. Fred. S. Kaufman, 

Mrs, Chas. H. Smith, 

Committee. 



114 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

During this pastorate, 103 persons were received into 
the church: By certificate, 35; by confirmation, 61; by 
adult baptism, 3 ; by renewal of profession, 4. The church 
register records 65 baptisms, 29 marriages, and 45 deaths. 

In this connection, we may make mention of the 
only son in the ministry from St. John's, — Rev. H. 
W. Bright, of Norristown, Pa. He was confirmed by 
Rev. Resser, May 28, 1887, and through his pastor's 
counsel and the congregation's assurance of assistance, 
undertook the preparation for the ministry. Graduating 
from the Lebanon High School in 1888, then spending a 
year in study under Profs. J. W. Burnside and Cyrus Bo- 
ger, he entered the Sophomore class of Franklin and 
Marshall College in 1889, and graduated in the class of 
'92. He graduated from the Seminary in '95. 

He was licensed by Lebanon Classis, May 22, 1895, 
and was ordained in St. John's church after being com- 
missioned by the Home Mission Board as Missionary to 
New Kensington, Pa. He began work there, July i, 1895, 
and in six months organized a congregation of forty 
members. After the erection of a church property cost- 
ing $9,000, and gathering a congregation of 125 members, 
he left in September, 1899, to become pastor of the Re- 
formed Church of the Ascension, Norristown, Pa. He 
was president of Allegheny Classis for the year '98-'o9. 

He was assisted liberally by St. John's congregation 
in securing his education, and in February, 1896, St. 
John's Sunday-school presented to the New Kensington 
congregation a handsome silver communion service. Re- 
garding this kindness, Rev. Bright says, "I feel very 
grateful for what St. John's has been to me, and to many 
of its members I owe a debt of gratitude.'^ 




REV. II. H. RANCK. 



H 



CHAPTER XL 

THE FIFTH PASTORATE REV. RANCK. 

February, 1899— June, 1901. 

ENRY HAVERSTICK RANCK, the fifth 
pastor of St. John's, was born July 24th, 1868, 
near Lancaster, Pa. His father, Jacob E. Ranck, 
is a farmer, and lias been for many years an el- 
der of St. Paul's Reformed church of Lancaster. Hii' 
mother is a daughter of Mrs. Henry Haverstick, the only 
sister of Dr. Benjamin Bausman, pastor of St. Paul's 
Reformed church, Reading. 

Rev. Ranck was baptized in infancy by Rev. A. B. 
Shenkel, pastor of the Reformed church at Millersville, 
Lancaster county. He was confirmed by Dr. J. B. Shu- 
maker, pastor of St. Paul's Reformed church, Lancas- 
ter, April 10, 1884. 

His youth was spent working on his father's farm, on 
the banks of the beautiful Conestoga, until he was 17 
years of age, during the v/inter months attending the 
country district school. A year was then passed at the 
Millersville State Normal School, and the following win- 
ter he taught school, for a term of six months, near Rein- 
holdsville, in the northern part of Lancaster county. 

A deepening conviction that he must enter the Gospel 
ministry, led him to make preparation for taking a full 
classical and theological course. Accordingly, the year 
^87 and '88 was spent in the Franklin and Marshall Acad- 
emy under the tutilage of Prof. W. W. Moore. He en- 
tered the Freshman class of Franklin and Marshall Col- 
lege in the fall of '88, and graduated therefrom in 1892. 
He was a member of the Goethean Literary Society. The 
following year was given to study at Union Theological 

115 



ii6 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

Seminary, New York City, and in that connection a spe- 
cial course in Sociology under Prof. Giddings was taken 
at Columbia University. Three years more were passed 
at the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church in 
the United States, at Lancaster. He graduated there- 
from in 1895, and then engaged for a year in graduate 
work. During the summer of ^94 he was associated with 
Rev. C. Noss, now missionary at Sendai, Japan, in trans- 
ferring the Seminary library into the new Library build- 
ing of the Theological Seminary and in re-cataloguing the 
same, a work which was brought to completion during his 
senior year in the Seminary, when he was the librarian 
thereof. 

Rev. Ranck was licensed to preach by Lancaster Classis 
during its annual sessions at Maytown, in the spring of 
^95, and for three months during that summer supplied 
the pulpit of the Reformed church at Greencastle, Frank- 
lin county, during the illness and after the death of Rev. 
Calvin U. Heilman. He became pastor of St. Paul's 
Reformed church, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland county, 
at the beginning of December, 1896, continuing there 
until February 15, 1899, when he became pastor of St. 
John's. His ordination to the Gospel ministry by Revs. 
Dr. S. N. Callender, Wm. H. Groh and M. O. Noll of 
Carlisle Classis, was held at Mechanicsburg, December 
5, 1896. 

During the four months preceding the fifth pastorate, 
a number of ministers and students preached for St. 
John's. Rev. Ranck filled the pulpit November 6, 1898. 
He was elected at a congregational meeting held January 
II, 1899, was received from Carlisle Classis by Lebanon 
Classis at a special meeting held in St. John's church, 
February 14. The installation was held on Sunday af- 
ternoon, February 26. The service was conducted by 
Rev. L Calvin Fisher, pastor of St. Mark's; the sermon 



The Fifth Pastorate — Rev. Ranch. 117 

was preached by Rev. E. S. Bromer, pastor of Tabor, 
from Col. I :28, 29, "Whom we proclaim, admonishing 
every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that 
we may present every man perfect in Christ ; whereunto I 
labor also, striving according to his working, which work- 
eth in me mightily." Dr. Hiester, who was on the com- 
mittee, could not be present. Dr. D. E. Klopp, of Leb- 
anon, and Dr. Frederick Strassner, of Canton, O., also 
participated, the former reading the Scripture, the latter 
offering full prayer at the close of the service. 

The work of this short pastorate is soon told. A con- 
tingent fund was started in the spring of ^99, and has 
proved very helpful in the church finances. The mort- 
gage on the parsonage of $3800 was paid off. $300 was 
raised by the Young People's Society and the debt was re- 
duced to $3500 April I, 1899. At the quarterly congre- 
gational meeting, held October 6, 1899, a plan was pre- 
sented to liquidate the church debt by April i, 1900, and 
to have the effort crowned by the celebration of the for- 
tieth anniversary in a week's services following Easter. 
The committee appointed to have in charge the work of 
liquidation, were John Meily, C. Shenk, J. K. Funck, C. 
M. Bowman, Richard Meily, C. H. KilHnger, D. A. 
Frantz, Prof. C. Boger, Dr. A. B. Gloninger, Lucellus 
Walter, C. G. Gerhart, C. N. Seidle, and the pastor. Ja- 
cob K. Funck was made treasurer. The Young People's 
Society and the Sunday-school agreed to raise each $500, 
and they with the other societies of the church and all 
the members of the congregation worked vigorously, so 
that when the anniversary was celebrated, the entire 
amount was paid. The effort brought forth more funds 
than were anticipated, and therefrom was paid a half- 
year's interest on the mortgage and about $150 was yet 
left over to be placed in the general treasury of the 
church. The happy and successful celebration of the 



ii8 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

fortieth anniversary is recorded in another chapter. 

In the fall of 1900 an excellent hot water heating plant 
was placed in the parsonage by Plumber Harry Zerman, 
at a cost of $345, the radiators and piping of the former 
plant being utilized. 

In the spring of 1901 the pipe organ was greatly im- 
proved at considerable expense by the addition of Gamba 
and Flute Traverso Stops. The credit for this is due the 
organist, Chas. M. Smith, who superintended it and se- 
cured the funds. At the same time the Sunday-school 
library was enlarged. 

A directory of the names and addresses of the members 
of the church was issued in the Whitsunday season of 
^99. It has proved helpful in many ways. 

St. John's Aiiiinal, with its explanations regarding the 
operations of the church and its complete financial state- 
ments was twice issued and was found to be a great sat- 
isfaction to all. 

The pastorate closed with the end of June, 1900, when 
Rev. Ranck became pastor of St. Andrew's Reformed 
church of Reading. He was formally dismissed from 
Lebanon Classis to the Classis of Reading at a special 
meeting held in St. Mark's church, June 28, 1901. 

During the two years and four and a half months of 
this pastorate 41 persons were received into the churcli: 
By certificate, 1 1 ; by confirmation, 24 ; by adult baptism, 
4; by renewal of profession, 2. 

The church register records 24 baptisms, 10 marriages 
and 27 deaths. 



CHAPTER XII. 

THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL. 
Constitution. 

a SOCIETY having been formed as an auxiliary 
to the church in bringing up the children of the 
congregation in the nurture and admonition of 
the Lord, the following Constitution and By- 
Laws are adopted for its government: 

Article i. This society shall be called St. John's Re- 
formed Sunday-school. 

Article 2. The society shall consist of two depart- 
ments, Senior and Junior. 

Article 3. The officers of the society shall consist of 
a President, a Superintendent, and one male assistant, 
Treasurer, Secretary and one assistant, Librarian and one 
assistant, for the Senior department. 

And a Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Li- 
brarian and Secretary for the Junior department. 

Article 4. The pastor of the church shall be Presi- 
dent of the society, ex-oflicio. The remaining officers 
shall be elected by ballot, or viva voce, as may be deter- 
mined at the time of holding the election at a meeting 
(held) on the third Sunday of December in each year, 
and the duties of the officers elected shall commence on 
the first Sunday in January following. A majority of 
votes cast shall elect. 

Article 5. The President shall preside at all meetings 
of the society, shall exercise a general supervision and 
pastoral care over the departments, and in his absence his 
place shall be filled by the Superintendent of the Senior 
department. 

119 



I20 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

Article 6. The Superintendents shall have charge of 
the government of their respective departments, open and 
close them with religious exercises or cause the same to 
be done by suitable persons. 

Article 7. The Assistant Superintendents shall assist 
in governing and providing for the wants of their depart- 
ments under the direction of their respective Superin- 
tendents, In the absence of the Superintendent of the 
Senior department the male assistant shall supply his 
place. 

Article 8. The Librarians shall have charge of the 
libraries of their respective departments, and keep a cat- 
alogue of the books, charge to each teacher the books 
supplied to his or her class, and if any book is not return- 
ed on the second Sunday after its issue, they shall make 
report thereof to the Superintendent of the respective de- 
partment. They shall make a quarterly report of the 
number of books distributed, and the condition of the 
libraries of their respective departments. In his absence 
the assistant shall take his place. 

Article 9. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of 
the society, note the presence and absence of the officers 
and teachers, record the number of scholars present each 
Sunday, and make quarterly and annual reports of the 
general condition of the departments. In his absence the 
Assistant Secretary shall take his place. 

Article 10. The Treasurer shall receive all moneys 
contributed to the society, and keep a correct account of 
the same, and shall pay all orders drawn on him by the 
President, attested by the Secretary. He shall make an 
annual report of the receipts and disbursements. 

Article ii. The officers of the society shall form a 
board, who shall appoint the teachers, select books for the 
Library, and direct the course of instruction to be pursued 
in the school. 



The Sunday-School. 121 

Article 12. None but persons of established moral 
character and possessing a natural ability of imparting 
Christian instruction shall be selected as teachers. They 
shall, under the supervision of the Superintendents, teach 
the lessons appointed, and keep an account of the attend- 
ance of the class, the books issued, lessons committed, 
contributions and conduct of the scholars. 

Article 13. The officers and teachers shall hold the 
regular meetings of the society, the third Sunday and 
Wednesday of each month, at which such business shall 
be transacted as may be required for the benefit of the 
school, on Sunday when the schooFs session is in the af- 
ternoon, and on Wednesday evening when the school's 
session is held in the morning. 

Article 14. The constitution may be altered or amend- 
ed at a teachers' meeting called for that purpose, at least 
one week's previous notice of the proposed change hav- 
ing been given, and a vote of two-thirds of the officers 
and teachers present being in favor thereof. 

BY-LAWS. 

1. The departments shall be classified by the officers of 
the school. Scholars who are able to read fluently may 
be admitted into the Senior, while all others shall com- 
pose the Junior department, subject to the discretion of 
the officers of the school. 

2. The classes shall as far as possible be composed of 
scholars of equal capacity. 

3. The teachers shall be selected by the officers with a 
view to their fitness for the respective classes. 

4. In the senior department the number of scholars in 
each class shall be determined by the Superintendent. 

5. The school shall be opened or closed, or both, with 
the offices of devotion contained in the Hymn Book pub- 
lished by the Association. 



122 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

6. The school shall be examined by the President each 
Sunday on the Catechetical lessons of the day, and the 
scholars shall be encouraged to answer fully and freely. 

7. The scholars of the Senior department in addition to 
the regular Bible lesson shall be required to commit the 
answers to the questions in the corresponding Lord's day 
of the Catechism. 

8. No teacher or scholar shall be allowed to have out 
of the library more than one book at a time. 

9. Any scholar tearing or defacing a book shall be rep- 
rimanded and not be allowed the use of the library for 
such time as may be determined by the officers. 

10. (Rescinded). 

11. Scholars who are irregular in their attendance or 
absent for three Sundays successively shall be called on 
by their teachers in reference to their absence. 

12. The scholars shall be required to observe good or- 
der in the school, implicitly obey their teachers and offi- 
cers, and on their arrival at the church shall immediately 
take their respective seats, and on no occasion shall they 
leave the school before it closes without the permission of 
their teachers and Superintendent. 

13. The sessions of the school shall begin at 1.30 
o'clock p. m. Notice of the same being given by the ring- 
ing of the bell fifteen minutes previously. 

14. The constitution and by-laws shall be read before 
the school at the beginning of each year. 

The constitution and by-laws stand thus today. They 
have been amended considerably since the revision of 
1864. A revision was effected also in March, 1874. 

Articles 3, 4, 8 and 13 of the constitution have been 
changed. Article 10 of the by-laws which originally pro- 
vided for the meeting of officers and teachers to be held 
on a Monday evening, then changed to the third Friday 



The Sunday-School. 123 

evening of the month, was annulled by the amending of 
Article 13 of the constitution to its present provisions. 
This was done in May, 1880. 

It is greatly to be regretted that the early records of 
the Sunday-school are so defective. Yet we are happy in 
having a fragment of the work of those who in the early 
days realized the value of history, 

Tne work of the committee appointed in December, 
1870, done in large measure by its first member, was no 
doubt carefully completed and transcribed in the minute 
book of the Sunday-school. The account, however, from 
the end of 1862 is lost, pages 27 to 68 being deliberately 
cut out. We present the historical account from the 
school's organization to the close of 1862 entire. We are 
sure that the details, personals, and characteristic coloring 
of the time will prove interesting. 

HISTORY. 

At a teachers' meeting held in the Pastor's Study on 
the last Monday of December, 1870, it was resolved to 
appoint a committee to gather from the imperfect records 
of the Sunday-school of St. John's Reformed Church a 
history of the school from its commencement, and record 
the same in a suitable book to be procured for that pur- 
pose. 

L. L. Greenawalt, W. Beardslee and the pastor were 
appointed as the committee. After due research they 
found the following facts : 

The congregation of St. John's Reformed Church hav- 
ing been duly organized, it was felt necessary that a Sun- 
day-school should be organized in its bosom. It was 
accordingly announced that those interested should meet 
in the Sunday-school room on the 28th day of October, 
i860, at I o'clock p. m., with the view of effecting such 
an organization. 



124 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

Sunday, October 28, i860, the following persons were 
found present in the Sunday-school room at i o'clock 
p.m.: 

Pastor Henry Harbaugh, D.D., Mrs. C. Bibighaus, 
John Meily, Cyrus Boger, L. L. Greenawalt, David S. 
Raber, Jonathan M. Raber, Henry Raber, David M. Tice, 
J. Aaron Walter, James J. Blair, Theodore D. Fisher, W. 
K. Lineaweaver, Emily Miller, Mrs. Mary H. Killinger, 
Mrs. Louisa Shirk, Mrs. Julia B. Gloninger, Mrs. Har- 
riet N. Raber, Mrs. Helen Meily, Mrs. Eliza J. Bowman, 
Miss Sarah Raber, Miss Matilda H. Gloninger, Miss 
Mary A. Guilford, Miss Kate A. Gloninger, Jacob K. 
Funck, Philip S. Greenawalt, Lemuel Moyer, John W. 
Mish, Miss Emma C. Moyer, Miss Kate A. DeHuff, Miss 
Mary A. Greenawalt, Miss Annie E. DeHuff. 

The following scholars also appeared : 

Henry Grittinger, James Major, Albert Lineaweaver, 
William H. Risser, Charles Marquart, Alvin Bibighaus. 
Francis Raber, John G. DeHuff, Morris Showers, Wilson 
Harbaugh, William B. Moyer, Thomas Bibighaus, Elkana 
Buck, Charles Major, Charles Killinger, Mason P. Mish, 
Harper Shirk, George S. Bowman, James Meily, Harriet 
Bibighaus, Mary Harbaugh, Emma Showers, Catharine 
Krause, Alice Miller, Anna Raber, Caroline Bibighaus, 
Ella Shirk, Matilda K. Mish, Emma Raber, Mary A. 
Gloninger, Maggie Harbaugh, Katie Fauber, Susan De- 
Huff, Maria Bibighaus, Emma M. Bricker, Katie Zigler, 
Lizzie Marshall, Jennie Walter. 

The pastor opened the meeting with prayer, after which 
the following persons were chosen officers : 

President and Superintendent — Henry Harbaugh, D.D. 

Assistant Superintendent — Cyrus Boger. 

Secretary — John W. Mish. 

Librarian — William G. Bowman. 

Treasurer — Philip S. Greenawalt. 



The Sunday-School. 125 

Assistant Superintendent — Mrs. Mary Killinger. 

Superintendent Junior School — Miss Matilda Glon- 
inger. 

The pastor, Messrs. John W. Mish, Cyrus Boger and 
Lemuel Moyer were appointed a committee to draft a 
Constitution and By-Laws, which was presented at a sub- 
sequent meeting and adopted, and then altered and re- 
vised in 1864, and is now recorded in the beginning of 
this book. It was also resolved that the Constitution and 
By-Laws shall embrace the course of training to be pur- 
sued in the school, and that the elders and deacons shall 
constitute part of the Committee on the Constitution and 
By-Laws, and whose approval of the same shall precede 
its submission to the school for adoption. 

The school was then classified to some extent, and 
after instructing the children for a short time the school 
was appropriately closed by the pastor. 

Thus closed the first session of the school, at which 
there were present 71 persons. 

Subsequent meetings were held on every Sunday till 
the close of the year, December 30, i860, at which time 
the statistics show that the school had increased to 107 
officers, teachers and scholars in attendance. One hun- 
dred copies of the Pastor's Helper, were subscribed for. 

Contributions, $6.90. 

Books distributed* 423. 

1861. 

The Sunday-school met on every Lord's Day of this 
year, and was conducted in the usual manner. The same 
officers continued in office. 

On Palm Sunday a special service was held in the 
church, and an address delivered by the pastor. 

March 27. — Emma C. Moyer, a member of the Bible 
Class, died March 27, and her funeral was attended by 
the school. The service was held in the church, and she 



126 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

was buried with the Liturgical Service. She was a 
young lady of promise and lived a correct Christian life, 
and died a peaceful death. She sleeps in Jesus. She 
was buried on Good Friday. 

March 31. — The school attended the funeral of Caro- 
line Wagner, daughter of Rev. Henry Wagner. She 
died in Orwigsburg, and was brought here for burial. 

April 21. — John Long, a member of the Bible Class, 
having enlisted as a volunteer in "Lebanon Guards,^' left 
for the seat of war. 

May 29. — Mrs. Sarah Lineaweaver was elected Assist- 
ant Superintendent in the place of Mrs. Mary Killinger, 
resigned. 

July 4. — The school and congregation made an excur- 
sion to Calmdale, and celebrated the day in picnic style. 
The occasion was pleasant, and all present enjoyed them- 
selves. An abmidant supply of fruits was obtained from 
Mr. Samuel Miller. 

July 31. — Clara Elizabeth, daughter of Jonathan and 
Lucetta Seidel, was baptized during the session of the 
school by the pastor. 

September 23. — One hundred copies of the Hymns and 
Chants, published by the school, were ordered to be pur- 
chased. 

October 13. — C. Marquart enlisted in the Union Army. 

W. K. Lineaweaver was elected a lieutenant in a cav- 
alry company and left for the seat of war. 

December i, Advent Sunday. — The school was taken 
up into the church and addressed by the pastor on the 
Advent Church. 

The new organ was dedicated on that Sunday. Rev. 
Daniel Gans, of Harrisburg, assisted in the services. A 
class-book by H. Roedel was adopted. 

The Sunday-school room was decorated for Christ- 
mas. During the year Dr. Harbaugh had an interesting 



The Sunday-School. 127 

Bible Class numbering twenty. The class was attended 
by many visitors, but was broken up partially by the war. 
Many were also employed as teachers. 

A library of 257 volumes was purchased for the school. 
Statistics. 

Officers and teachers, 37. 

Scholars, 80. 

Total, 117. 

Contributions (including special collections), $65.55. 

Books distributed each Sunday, about 62. 
1862. 

The school held its regular sessions during the year- 
No account of any elections for officers for this year. 
Reference is made to Mr. John Meily as Superintendent. 

January 5. — School was addressed by Rev. E. V. Ger- 
hart. President of Franklin and Marshall College. 

January 26. — Rev. Bennet delivered an address. A 
Monday evening meeting for teachers was instituted. 

The cards, "Tabernacle in the Wilderness, and Plan 
of Encampment,'^ "The Golden Candlestick and the Table 
of the Shew Bread," "The High Priest and Altar on the 
Holy of Holies," were purchased and explained by the 
pastor. 

February 23. — Pastor addressed the school in refer- 
ence to Washington's Birthday; also, John B. Hiester 
addressed the school. 

March 2. — Elder Henry Leonard, "the fisherman" from 
Basil, O., addressed the school. 

March 9. — Maria Catherine Bibighaus died on the even- 
ing of this Sabbath, and was buried on the following 
Wednesday afternoon with Liturgical Service. Her 
funeral was attended by the school. 

March 16. — The following proceedings, adopted at a 
teachers' meeting, were directed to be entered on the 
minutes : 



128 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

In order to secure to our Sunday-school library a regu- 
lar, healthy and systematic growth, it is hereby resolved : 

1st — That a register be kept open, at regular sessions of 
the school, by the Secretary, in which any member of the 
school may record the title, publisher's name, and price, 
of any book which such member can recommend from 
actual knowledge of its contents. 

2d — That the pastor and officers of the school shall con- 
stitute a committee, whose duty it shall be to approve and 
buy such books, selected from this list, as they may deem 
proper ; provided, however, that no books shall be bought 
unless read or approved by one member of this com- 
mittee. 

3d — And this committee shall purchase such other 
books as they shall approve, and the funds of the school 
will allow. 

March 23 — Thomas Bibighaus was buried this after- 
noon at 4 o'clock. The school attended the funeral. Thus 
two scholars from the same family died within two weeks ; 
a sad bereavement. They died in the Lord. 

April 6. — Rev. Lichtenthaler, a Moravian missionary, 
who labored in Jamaica for nineteen years, addressed the 
school. 

April 13, Palm Sunday. — School held a service in the 
church ; addressed by the pastor ; attendance good. 

April 7. — Katie Guilford died. She was a member of 
the Infant School. Her savings for the library were 
handed in. 

May 5. — At a teachers' meeting held in the study at 8 
o'clock p. m., a circular addressed to the school, proposing 
that a convention be held in Philadelphia on the 28th inst., 
to take the various interests of Sunday-schools under con- 
sideration, and desiring that the interrogations approved 
be answered, and requesting delegates from the school to 
said convention, was read. 



The Sunday-School. 129 

The pastor and superintendents were elected the dele- 
gates to represent this school in said convention, witli 
power to appoint substitutes in case they, or any of them, 
are unable to attend; and the officers are directed to 
answer the interrogatories, which the Secretary is directed 
to forward. 

John W. Mish having resigned as Secretary, and with- 
drawn from the school, J. J. Blair was elected to fill tlie 
vacancy. 

The war for the Union being now in full force, Lemuel 
Moyer, Charles P. Frantz and L. L. Greenavv^alt went 
into the army, thus depriving the school of three teachers. 
A. G. DeHuff also entered the U. S. Navy. Samuel P. 
Raber, Simeon PI. Guilford, C. Penrose Sherk, Henry 
Grittinger, E. R. Umberger, M.D., William Murray and 
William Derr, members of the congregation, also enlisted. 

Both school and congregation contributed its share to 
the suppression of the unholy Rebellion, and was warmly 
in favor of the Union cause. 

December 29. — Dr. L. H. Steiner, of Maryland, and 
Jacob Heiser, Esq., of Chambersburg, addressed the 
school. 

The Christmas decorations this year were more exten- 
sive. A Christmas tree was erected in the basement; 
miniature lakes, fountains, rocks and various other 
decorations abounded ; a church, animals and other orna- 
ments. Cakes and candies were distributed. The pulpit 
and altar vv^ere also decorated with greens. 
Statistics, 

Teachers, 20. 

Scholars, 90. 

Contributions, $31.49. 

The earliest formally recorded minutes preserved, are of 
the annual meeting held December, 1872. This follows 



130 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

immediately upon the vandalism above mentioned. We 
are fortunate, however, in having spread upon the min- 
utes a very interesting account of the early history of the 
school, as read before the Sunday-school Convention of 
Lebanon Classis, held in Tabor Reformed Church the 
latter part of May or the early part of June, 1875. ^^ 
the invitation of Dr. Krenier, pastor of Tabor Church, the 
Sunday-school attended in a body, gathering in the lec- 
ture-room and then going in procession to the mother 
church. The report, prepared by the pastor, Dr. John- 
ston, and the Superintendent, John Meily, vv^as read before 
the convention by Mr. Meily. 

REPORT OF THE SCHOOL AS READ BEFORE THE SUNDAY- 
SCHOOL CONVENTION OF LEBANON CLASSIS. 

The congregation of St. John's Reformed Church, Leb- 
anon, Pa., having been duly organized, it was felt neces- 
sary that a Sunday-school should be organized in its 
bosom, in order that the youth should be properly in- 
structed, and thus prepared for the Pastor's Catechetical 
Class, and for the full communion of the Church. It 
was accordingly announced that those interested should 
meet in the Sunday-school room on the 28th day of 
October, i860, at i o'clock p. m., with a view of inau- 
gurating and effecting such an organization. At the time 
appointed, there appeared the pastor, Rev. Dr. Harbaugh, 
and 31 adult members of the church and 38 scholars. The 
school thus constituted was appropriately classified, and 
after instructing the children for a short time, was closed 
with suitable services by the pastor. Measures were 
adopted to procure books of instruction, and also a library 
for general circulation. It now contains 1,000 volumes. 
Father Krause left a legacy of $100 to the school, the 
interest from which is to be used for furnishing books 
among the teachers and scholars. The school was orga- 



The Sunday-School. 131 

nized on the Reformed basis, and the Constitution requires 
that the pastor shall be the President. The congregation 
having adopted the Liturgical form of worship, it was 
deemed essential that the devotional services of the school 
should be of like character. This led to the compilation 
of the ''Hymns and Chants" by Rev. Dr. Harbaugh, whicn 
work when completed was published by the school and 
adopted in its regular services. Aside from the intrinsic 
merit of the work, and the high esteem for its sainted 
author, the school has learned to love its order and church- 
liness, and up to the present period regards it as the proper 
expression of its devotional life. It has done a great 
work in moulding the youth, and in preparing them to 
enter into the worship of the upper sanctuary. From its 
large sale there was considerable profit derived, and the 
school with generous liberality has given this to the 
Church. The copyright and stereotype plates were placed 
in the hands of the Publication Board of the Eastern 
Synod, and is now a source of revenue to the Reformed 
Church. From the commencement of the school, much 
attention has been paid to the festival seasons of the 
Church. Advent, Christmas, Easter and Whitsunday are 
familiar terms, and are occasions for special services, espe- 
cially Christmas, the Feast of the Nativity, is celebrated 
by decorations of the church, appropriate hymns, ad- 
dresses and gifts; so that it is regarded as a season of 
great joy. Much attention has been paid to vocal music, 
and the children have been taught by competent instruc- 
tors. Chanting has been encouraged, and the glorious 
tones of the "Gloria in Excelsis," "Gloria Patri," and the 
funeral chant, 'T am the Resurrection and the Life," to- 
gether with others, are heard on all suitable occasions. 
The Gospels and Epistles for the Church Year have been 
thoroughly studied for two consecutive years, and recently 
the International Series has been introduced, and for 



132 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

nearly two years has been taught as they have been fur- 
nished by the "Heidelberg Teacher" and the pastor. Care 
is taken as far as possible to mould the nistructions of the 
school so as to conform them to a true scriptural, churchly 
order. We indulge the hope that we have been building 
up the church on a permanent basis, and in accordance 
with the spirit and genius of Christianity. There have 
been in these fifteen years of our history many things to 
discourage — many severe conflicts, much cause for deep 
humiliation, — yet the school has pursued its onward 
course, keeping steadily in view its great work, and is at 
the present time in a condition of encouraging prosperity. 
Quite a number of those who were present at its organiza- 
tion are no longer with us. Some have changed their 
residence; others have passed to the grave, and now 
"sleep in Jesus." Several lost their lives in defence of 
their country, in maintaining the Union. Their memo- 
ries are peculiarly sacred; their graves are hallowed 
shrines, and their names are cherished with fondest affec- 
tion. Twenty-one of the original scholars have been con- 
firmed and admitted to the full life of the Church. Since 
its organization there have been in connection with the 
school over 200 scholars, several of whom have died or 
removed from the town. The present roll is as follows, 
and with but few exceptions they are children of the con- 
gregation: There are two departments. Senior and 
Junior. In the Senior Department there are, officers, 8; 
teachers, 15; scholars, 68. In the Junior Department, 
officers, 4; teachers, 13; scholars, 70; making a total in 
both of 168. Thus about a hundred more are engaged 
and interested in this work than were at its organization. 
If the number appears to be small at first glance, it will 
be found to be fully up with other schools, if not beyond 
the ratio, when we consider the number of the member- 
ship of the adult portion of the church; 138 scholars to 



The Sunday-School. 133 

190 members is not a small proportion. This will be 
seen at a glance: doubtless as the church increases, the 
Sunday-school will also increase. But to have a large 
number of scholars is not the only mark of a school's 
prosperity. To develop properly the children we have, 
who legitimately belong to us, is a greater work; and 
this we are striving to do as God gives us ability. The 
contributions made by the scholars in the school are ap- 
propriated for its support. This is not regarded in the 
light of a benevolent contribution, but rather a duty; 
thus teaching them that they should contribute to the sup- 
port of the Church. An opportunity is given to each of 
them in every public service to make an ''offering" with 
the congregation, and on the Christmas festival to con- 
tribute to the ''Orphans Home." Thus we strive to keep 
them in unison with all the movements and work of the 
Reformed Church. The idea of a separate, independent 
work for them is ignored. They are part of the Church, 
it is their birthright in Holy Baptism. Thus we have 
given to this convention a description of our church life 
as developed in the Sunday-school. We conscientiously 
consider it as obeying the command of our risen Lord to 
"feed His lambs." 

HYMNS AND CHANTS. 

St. John's Sunday-school has the unique record of 
publishing a Hymn Book. Dr. Harbaugh began to com- 
pile "Hymns and Chants" soon after he became pastor, 
and completed it in August, 1861. One of the members 
of St. John's, Theodore D. Fisher, so soon afterward to 
be sacrificed in the Union cause, "rendered valuable as- 
sistance in the arrangement of the music and the division 
of the psalms for chanting." The book came from the 
press in October, 1861. A book notice thereof appeared 
in the Messenger of the 23d of that month: "The book 



134 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

sells at 1 8 cents per copy, $1.75 per dozen, and $13 per 
hundred copies, cash. A copy will be sent by mail en 
receipt of the retail price. Orders sent to M. Kieffer & 
Co. will receive prompt attention.^^ In the same issue 
appears the Introductory Preface as an article on "Hym- 
nology." 

The issuing of ''Hymns and Chants" was timely and 
served to express and cultivate a truer spirit of worship 
throughout the Reformed Church. Its reception was 
general and hearty, as is shown by the fact that the first 
edition of 1,000 copies was exhaiisted within a month. 
Two months after the book was published, the second and 
third editions of 1,000 copies each were issued, with the 
demand continuing as brisk as at first. Records are not 
available to determine the number of copies of "Hymns 
and Chants'^ issued, or the amount of profits realized 
therefrom, but we know that it has been widely used 
throughout the Reformed Church, and in many Sunday- 
schools is still in use to this day. Some Sunday-schools 
employ only the bco.utiful Offices of Devotion, but sing 
from a more recent Hymn Book. There are a few schools 
yet, however, where the youth of today learn to sing the 
well-chosen selection from the "Hymns and Chants," fol- 
lowing its carefully-arranged order according to the 
Church Year. 

Other Hymn Books superseding "Hymns and Chants," 
the demand for it grew small, and it is now out of print. 
The plates, which were in the hands of the Reformed 
Church Publication Board, were sold for old metal several 
years ago, about the time the change was made to the 
present arrangement. 

St. John's Sunday-school still makes some use of the 
Offices of Devotion from Sabbath to Sabbath, and it is 
needless to say that on the part of many it is adhered to 
with a jealous afifection. 



The Sunday-School. 135 

The new "Sunday-school Hymnal" is the natural and 
worthy successor of "Hymns and Chants,'^ the Services 
and the Hymns of the new carrying out the true wor- 
shipful spirit of the corresponding parts of the old, with 
fine adaptation to the broad, liberal spirit of the present 
day. 

At the first session of the Sunday-school, held October, 
i860, when an organization was effected by the election 
of officers, two departments were already designated, be- 
cause a Junior Superintendent was elected. It was not 
long until the two departments, Senior and Junior, be- 
came distinctly organized with their separate bodies of 
officers, and this basis became definitely authorized by 
the Constitution. The Senior Department met in what 
is now the Junior room; the Junior Department met in 
the present Primary room, though origmally in what is 
now the Men's Bible Class room before it became the 
pastor's study. The present Senior room was comfort- 
ably equipped with pews, and was known as the lecture 
room. A solid wall separated between the east and west 
rooms of this basement, with sliding doors at the north 
end communicating. The growth of the Sunday-school 
required larger accomodations, and in the early 8o's the 
lecture room was fitted up for Sunday-school purposes, 
and the Junior Department occupied it. The smaller 
Juniors remained where they were, and constituted the 
Primary School. Thus came to be three departments in 
St. John's Sunday-school. When the church was re- 
constructed in ^89, the present glass partition was put in. 
After this remodeling, the Senior and Junior Depart- 
ments exchanged rooms and were located as at present. 

The Constitution very properly requires the pastor of 
the church to be the President of the Sunday-school. 
The first pastor was also the first superintendent. In 
1862, Mr. John Meily became Superintendent, and held 



136 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

that position in the Senior Department until April 16, 
1880. The place remained vacant then for nearly three 
years. It was filled by Rev. Geo. F. Mull during the 
year 1883. Prof. C. Boger became the incumbent for 
the four years following. Mr. Meily was re-elected to 
the Senior Superintendency, January 15, 1888, and con- 
tinued therein to the close of the century. Persistently 
refusing to serve longer, a successor had to be provided. 
The school, however, appreciating this fine record of 
faithful service, presented to Mr. Meily a memorial, 
neatly engrossed and framed, during the closing moments 
of the last Sabbath of his official connection with the 
school. It reads as follows : 

1862-1880. 1888-1900. 

John Meily, Sr., 

Superintendent of St. John's Reformed Sunday-School, 
Lebanon, Pa. 

Dear Mr. Meily : — Your unusual record as the beloved 
Superintendent of the Senior Department of our Sunday- 
school for a period of 31 years, constrains us as officers, 
teachers and scholars to give formal expression of our 
high appreciation of you as our friend and faithful Super- 
intendent. 

We feel that the Sunday-school has been largel} 
moulded by your interest, activity and forceful person- 
ality; and we know that nothmg lies nearer your heart 
than St. John^s Church and Sunday-school, which you 
helped to found, and have unfailingly supported. Never 
being absent from service unless providentially hindered, 
always punctual, ever zealous in effort to increase the 
number of scholars, anxiously concerned for the fidelity 
of officers and teachers, you have been loving, thoughtful, 
considerate of all. Conscientiously positive in views re- 



The Sunday-School. 137 

garding the policy of the school, you have always been 
charitable to the opinions of others. 

We regret your departure from the office which you 
have so long honorably filled; but we know that your 
interest, good wishes and prayers will ever be with us. 
That you may yet continue to be a long time in our midst, 
and that your years may be full of peace, joy, and heaven's 
sunshine, is the prayer of your loving brethren in the 
Lord. 

Committee representing St. John's Sunday-school : 

Henry H. Ranck^ 

Pastor. 
W. T. Frantz, 

Secretary. 
Kate Greenawalt, 
Assistant Superintendent Senior Department. 
C. K. Wither, 
Superintendent Junior Department. 
Mary A. Gilroy, 
Assistant Superintendent Primary Department. 

C. M. Bowman, 
Teacher of Men's Bible Class. 
December 23, 1900. 

Miss Matilda Gloninger was the first Superintendent 
of the Junior School ; she was succeeded by Miss Rachel 
Ross. Dr. S. H. Guilford followed in that position until 
he left Lebanon in the early 70's. Next came Prof. 
Boger, who occupied the position until the close of '82; 
followed by Jacob K. Funck, '83; C. H. Killinger, '84-'87; 
Jacob K. Funck again, '88-'94; S. H. Walter, '95-'98; and 
Prof. C. K. Witmer, '99 to the present. 

Mrs. John Meily, who had been the Assistant Junior 
Superintendent from the early days of the Sunday-school, 
became Superintendent of the Primary School when it 



138 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

was constituted a separate department, and has continued 
faithfully and efficiently in that position to the present. 

Another fine long official record was that of P. S. 
Greenawalt, Treasurer of the Sunday-school from its 
organization to January, 1900. 

The present officers of the Sunday-school are : 

President — The pastor. 

Treasurer — G. DeL. DeHuff. 

Librarian — C. B. Greenawalt. 

Assistant Librarian — Sereno Walburn. 

Second Assistant Librarian — A. S. DeHuff. 

Organist — Mrs. Geo. W. Kochenaur. 

Senior Department. 

Superintendent — H. C. Huber. 

Assistant Superintendent — Harry G. Umberger. 

Female Superintendent — Catharine Greenawalt. 

Secretary — W. T. Frantz. 

Assistant Secretary — R. C. Shirk. 

Teachers — Mrs. C. M. Bowman, Mrs. D. A. Frantz, 
Mrs. A. N. Hoffer, Mrs. G. W. Kochenaur, Mrs. J. L. 
Shugar, C. M. Bowman, C. P. Sherk. 

Junior Department. 

Superintendent — Prof. C. K. Witmer. 

Secretary — C. G. Frantz. 

Teachers — Mrs. J. A. Frantz, Mrs. F. S. Kauffman, 
Mrs. R. L. Marshall, Mrs. J. K. Raudenbush, Lavina 
Boyer, Helen B. Bressler, Sue M. DeHuff, Elizabeth B. 
Funck, Adeline E. Guilford, Eva A. Haak, Flora C. Kil- 
linger, Ella M. Shirk, Bertha E. Walmer, H. C. Huber. 

Primary Department. 

Superintendent — Mrs. John Meily. 

Assistant Superintendent — Mrs. Mary A. Gilroy. 

A fourth department of the Sunday-school was organ- 



The Sunday-School. 139 

ized in October, 1900 — the Home Department. It has 
already done good work, but can hardly yet be said to be 
on a sound basis. If vigorously pushed and carefully 
supervised, it will become a helpful factor in the con- 
gregation's life. 

The Home Department is now in the care of the fol- 
lowing officers : 

Superintendent — Catharine R. Bibighaus. 

Visitors — Catharine R. Bibighaus, Ellen Boyer, Sue M. 
DeHuff, Flora C. Killinger, Mrs. Jno. H. Killinger, Mrs. 
Emma Monahan, Mrs. Charles H. Smith, Mrs. Ellen 
Umberger. 

The Heidelberg Catechism, faithfully employed by the 
pastors in their catechetical classes, has also been used to 
a greater or less extent in the Sunday-school. In the 
early days, the questions for each Lord's Day were recited 
and commented on from Sabbath to Sabbath. Later the 
questions were taken in rotation, one on each Sunday, 
and now such a question and answer of the Catechism is 
studied as corresponds to the thought of the Sunday- 
school lesson for the day, according to the arrangement 
of the lessons helps. For many years, on the first Sunday 
of the month the first question of the Catechism and the 
Ten Commandments have been regularly recited by the 
school. 

In the earlier years, such lessons were studied as were 
provided by the literature of the Church; the "Union 
Question Book" was also used, and for several years the 
Gospels and Epistles for the Church Year were studied 
from the books specially prepared by Dr. D. Cans. The 
International Lessons were adopted by the school very 
soon after the institution of the "International Lesson 
System" in 1872, and the helps provided by the Reformed 
Church for teachers and scholars have been employed : the 
Instructor, Guardian, Heidelberg Teacher, and various 



140 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

quarterlies. The Pastor's Helper, a monthly Sunday- 
school paper started in ^59, was distributed to the scholars 
in the early years, and later the Child's Treasury, Child's 
Messenger, and the papers specially provided by the Re- 
formed Church. Teachers' meetings for the weekly study 
of the lessons were held from time to time, but it has been 
found impossible to keep them up continuously. 

Besides "Hymns and Chants,^' which has been in gen- 
eral use by the school, various books of song have been 
employed by the different departments: "Silver Spray," 
'^Golden Showers," "Singing Pilgrim,'^ and "Winnowed 
Hymns"; "Hymns and Carols," adopted shortly after its 
issue by Miss Nevin in '79, has been a great favorite 
among many. The "Sunday-school Hymnal" was pro- 
cured in September, 1900. 

A banner stand, with the legend, "Vinco" — "I Con- 
quer," was presented by Clarence Weimer in 1897, and is 
given to the class in the Junior Department having the 
best record of attendance for a stated period. 

The quaint pictures of Bible events now adorning the 
walls, were obtained in the early days. The handsome 
etching of "Christ and the Children" was presented by 
J. W. Mish, Easter, 1900. 

LIBRARY. 

A well-regulated library of carefully-selected books is a 
very helpful adjunct to a Sunday-school. This was rec- 
ognized at the organization of St. John's Sunday-school 
by the election of a Librarian and by proceeding at once 
with making provision for a library. The remarkable 
success of effort in this direction appears from Dr. Har- 
baugh's first anniversary sermon — 431 books had already 
been secured. A wise and systematic method was pur- 
sued by the school in obtaining books, as we note from the 
action of the school, March 16, 1862, and this has been 



The Sunday-School. 141 

its policy throughout. Gradual additions were therefore 
made; 586 books were reported in Dr. Harbaugh's third 
parochial report to Classis, and by 1875 we find there were 
1,000 volumes on the shelves. 

During the decade following, the number of volumes 
was reduced. They had been quite generally read by the 
scholars, many were worn out and had to be discarded; 
donations were made, also, to small schools. In 1877, 
200 books were given to the Reformed Sunday-school of 
Duncannon; in 1882, 100 volumes were presented to the 
Reformed Sunday-school at the Nation's Capital; an- 
other small contribution went to the school at Falling 
Waters, W. Va. To the prison and almshouse, also, dona- 
tions were made. 

Nevertheless, books came in at frequent intervals to 
occupy the vacated shelves. S| ccial collections were held 
for this ojject, and appropriations were made from the 
treasury. An important source for replenishing the 
library was created in the closing years of the first de- 
cade by the legacy of $100 from John Krause, the interest 
of which is regularly appropriated. A memorial shelf 
was started in the Senior Library, Christmas Day, 1880, 
by Mrs. J. W. Killinger's daughter, Mary, for her sister, 
Catharine. In the years following, other books were 
added to it, but after a while this shelf lost its identity, 
and therefore was not kept up, nevertheless books con- 
tinued to come into the library from the same source. 
In ^94, 18 volumes of E. P. Roe's works were presented 
by the Librarians, C. G. Frantz, S. H. Walter and E. G. 
Frantz. Contributions of books by classes and members 
of the school and by members of the church from time to 
time also were made. 

Originally there were two distinct libraries for the 
Juniors and the Seniors in these respective departments. 
Of late years they have been consolidated. At first the 



142 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

Senior library was at the north end of the original Senior 
room, later it was at the same end of the present Senior 
room. After it was placed in its present location, it ca- 
pacity was enlarged by C. G. Frantz, the Librarian. In 
the spring of 1901 it was enlarged to its present capacity, 
which is sufiicient for 1,400 volumes. A book social was 
then held at the parsonage, May 14, when books were pre- 
sented and contributions were made for books. Through 
this effort, 118 volumes were added. The present system 
of cataloging was then introduced. There are now in the 
library about 700 volumes. 

FESTIVALS. 

As Dr. Harbaugh was a leader of the churchly move- 
ment in the Reformed Church, he, of course, encouraged 
the proper observance of the festival days and seasons of 
the Christian Year. And in St. John's, so heartily in 
sympathy with him, he had no difficulty in introducing 
such observance. The children, therefore, needed to be 
instructed in these things. This was faithfully done from 
time to time in the regular Sabbath sessions, and on such 
occasions as Advent Sunday and Palm Sunday the chil- 
dren were taken into the audience room of the church to 
be addressed on the significance of the particular season. 

The movement began with the celebration of the 
Nativity of our Lord, and St. John's Sunday-school was 
the pioneer in Lebanon of the children's observance of 
Christmas. It was regarded by many as an innovation at 
first, ominous of leading in a direction of danger, but 
very soon other Sunday-schools took up this beautiful ob- 
servance which is now so general. The account of the 
celebration in 1862 gives an idea of the character of the 
early festivals. They were at first held in the basement, 
in the old Senior room, which was always immensely 
crowded on those occasions. The interest was no doubt 



The Sunday School. 143 

enhanced at several celebrations, when Santa Claus was 
present, hiding beneath the Christmas tree laden with 
gifts, and then coming forth in benevolent attitude to 
distribute the gifts to the children, to the delight of all. 
This role was usually taken by Major Lorenzo Greena- 
walt. 

Later the festivals were held in the audience chamber, 
and that of 1876 was made especially elaborate. Prepara- 
tions were always extensive, but that of the Centennial 
Year particularly so, as will be gathered from the formi- 
dable array of committees, twelve in number, and made 
up of 47 persons: on Design, Decoratirns, Decorating 
tree, Decorating bell, Trees and evergreens. Candies and 
cornucopias, Music and carols. Program of services, 
Printing, Twine, rope, loops, etc.. Flags, flowers and 
birds, and General superintendence. 

So engrossing was the interest on this occasion, that it 
called forth the following efifusion from "C. A. M.^' on 
"Preparing for Christmas at St. John's Church" : 

"Loving hearts and busy hands 
Answer all the work's demands : 
Cutting up the great green boughs — 
'Bunching' when supply allows — 
Weaving wreaths and garlands fair — 
All to us a pleasant care. 

"Dressed in garlands evergreen. 
Here and there the wreaths between. 
With the Independence Bell, 
Speaking of oppression's knell, — 
So St. John's, with joyful lay. 
On Centennial Christmas Day. 
"Lebanon, December 13, 1876." 

Several weeks before Christmas were always given to 
greens-tying. This became a happy social occasion, in 



144 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

which the congregation generally heartily joined. The 
trees and evergreens were secured by the young men 
themselves from the mountains, and the tying was done 
in the basement. The bell referred to was made of wire, 
and was put up year by year in the centre of the ceiling in 
the place originally intended for a chandelier. It was 
completely draped with greens, and from it were hung 
festoons to various points of the auditorium, thus making 
the decorations very profuse. Flags and bouquets were 
tastefully arranged, and a bird cage was hung in each 
window. Nor did the birds fail to do their part in the 
chorus of song. The festival was always held on Christ- 
mas eve, until of late years, for urgent reasons, it was 
celebrated on Christmas evening. Offerings have been 
made by the school as a rule for the orphans, and gifts 
have always been given to the children of the school, and 
the babies of the congregation are not forgotten. Of 
late years, greens are purchased already tied, and the 
wholesome intermingling of the whole church member- 
ship in the social business of greens-tying. 

In 1885, an Easter festival by the Sunday-school and 1. 
Harvest Home service for the children were introduced, 
and have been observed pretty generally since. 

PICNICS. 

An annual Sunday-school picnic seems to be an essen- 
tial feature of every Sunday-school. With a few excep- 
tions, this practice has been maintained by St. John's. 
We notice that in the very first year, on July 4, 1861, the 
school and church went to Calmdale, about a mile-and-a- 
half northeast of Lebanon. The unconventional com- 
mingling of the promiscuous make-up of a Sunday-school 
for a day in God's "out of doors'' is a salutary practice, 
which, if heartily entered into, must be mutually bene- 
ficial, and this seems to have been the eflfect of the happy 



The Sunday-School. 145 

picnics of the earlier days, when the outing was for the 
school and church alone, thus helping to create esprit de 
corps, and a small school's identity was not lost in a wil- 
derness of people. 

Heilmandale was a favorite place. The preparation 
generally made is suggested by the committees appointed 
in 1874, when the picnic was held at that grove. They 
were nine in number, as follows : Provisions, Woods and 
roads, Committee to see that all articles are delivered to 
the depot and on the grounds to their proper places, and 
all remaining to be returned to the church, Amusements, 
Police, Swings, Waiting on tables and seeing that all are 
served consisting of all the teachers. Collecting funds and 
paying bills, General charge. Thus the services of a large 
number were enlisted, and the whole school went on the 
day appointed "in picnic style.^^ 

Other places to which the school went, v/ere Bethany 
Orphans Home, Saddler's Run Woods at Cornwall on 
the property of the R. W. Coleman Heirs, Penryn and 
Mt. Gretna. For 10 years or more, St. John's Sunday- 
school has been joining the schools of Lebanon in the 
union picnic held at Mt. Gretna on the Fourth of July. 

The benevolent activities of the Sunday-school have 
been largely through the special offerings of the several 
festival services, Christmas, Easter, Children's Day and 
Harvest Home. The Children's Day offering has gone 
regularly to Sunday-school Missions. Birthday boxes 
were introduced in 1885, the receipts from which were to 
go toward missions. Each department had its box, but 
only the Primary Department has proved faithful therein 
to the present. These offerings are small, but neat sunta 
accumulate and are given to some special object that "is 
worthy. In 1893, the Sunday-school decided to take four 
shares of missionary stock to support Rev. Henry K. 
Miller, the Sunday-school missionary at Sendai. The 
pledge of $20 was paid, however, only a few years. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



THE SOCIETIES. 



HELPFUL adjuncts in the work of the congrega- 
tion have been the various societies, organized 
from time to time for the accompHshment of a 
particular purpose. 

vS"^. John's Benevolent Society is the first to be noted. 
Its name indicates its object. It was, according to Dr. 
Harbaugh^s parochial report to Classis, May, 1863, a 
''systematic benevolent contributing society," and during 
that year ''paid over for benevolent purposes a little over 
$50.''^ This society was in operation as early as Septem- 
ber, 1861. Mrs. Louisa C. Shirk and Mrs. Wm. M. Guil- 
ford were treasurers. In Dr. Harbaugh's "Farewell 
Words" this society is referred to — "the proceeds of which 
— not small — have been paid to the Board of Domestic 
Missions and Beneficiary Education." 

A women^s society with several changes of name, but 
with one main object of raising funds for the improving 
of the church property, has run with varying degrees of 
activity through nearly the entire period of the church's 
history. The first notice we find of it is as a Ladies Aid 
Society in May, 1865, when the consistory asks them for 
the money which they have raised. 

The following note was made by Dr. Wilhelmina 
Greenawalt : 

"March 18, 1873. The ladies of St. John's Church 
convened in its pastor studium and organized a female 
prayer-meeting, the following Tuesday evening organ- 
ized a Mite Society, out of it will grow a Dorcas Society. 
146 



The Societies. 147 

"Officers: 

''President — Mrs. C. D. Gloninger. 
"Vice-President— Mrs. J. W. Mish. 
"Treasurer — Mrs. S. T. Lineaweaver. 
"Secretary — Miss Kate DeHuff. 

"Board of Managers." 

The prayer-meeting continued for a time; the Dorcas 
Society never materiahzed, but a year hence we find this 
Mite Society very active with a view of securing a carpet 
for the church. Contributions wxre at first voluntary, 
and raised by means of a festivaL In April, 1874, the 
giving of specified amounts monthly was begun. The 
carpet, costing $602.15, was purchased m the fall of that 
year from Kline, Eppihimer & Co., of Reading. The 
securing of the baptismal font, and of the altar from Mrs. 
Coleman, and the pulpit and reading desk from Miss 
Brown, was in connection with the general work of this 
society, which in the records of 1875 is again spoken oi 
as the Ladies Aid Society. The lecture room, study, and 
pews of the church were improved, chairs were furnished 
for the Senior Department of the Sunday-school and the 
choir. In the efforts of these several years, over $1,000 
were raised for these several objects. 

Activity decreased when there was wanting the stim- 
ulus of a definite object for which to work. Moneys were 
still gathering, however, and were appropriated to the 
Sunday-school and other departments of the church. The 
securing of a parsonage was soon fixed as the particular 
purpose for which to labor. A Constitution and By-Laws 
were adopted for this Ladies Aid Society, January 2, 1878, 
fixing the first Wednesday of each month as the time for 
the regular meetings, and the first Wednesday of the 
year as the anniversary day for the society. The officers 
then elected were: President, Mrs. Henry Wagner; Vice- 



148 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

President, Mrs. Wm. M. Guilford; Secretary, Miss Kate 
DeHuff; Treasurer, Mrs. J. W. Killinger. 

On September 25, 1882, the Ladies Aid Society of St. 
John's Church was again reorganized with the election of 
the following officers: President, Mrs. C. E. Bibighaus; 
Vice-President, Mrs. J. W. Mish; Secretary, Miss Lizzie 
Walter; Treasurer, Mrs. J. W. Killinger. A sezving 
circle was then formed to labor for the building of the 
parsonage. 

On February 2, 1885, the final reorganization was ef- 
fected as a Ladies Mite Society with the election of Mrs. 
Lineaweaver, President; Mrs. J. W. Mish, Vice-Presi- 
dent; Mrs. John Meily, Secretary; and Mrs. J. W. Kil- 
linger, Treasurer. The first Monday of each month was 
appointed as the time of meeting. The funds gathered 
were placed in the hands of the Trustees of the church as 
the "Ladies' Parsonage Fund." During the next few 
years a great work was done in raising money for the 
parsonage. 

There were 93 members in the society during '87 and 
'88 — the largest number during its entire history. The 
membership dwindled from that date, but the faithful 
ladies continued to do a very excellent work; $1,500 was 
given toward the reconstruction of the church, and large 
contributions have since been made by them in the several 
efforts to liquidate the church debt. Many helpful things 
have been done during the past several years to make the 
pastor's family comfortable and improve the properties. 
During the past 15 years, more than $5,000 have been 
raised for various objects. The present officers are: 
President, Mrs. T. P. Frantz; Secretary, Mrs. John Meily; 
Treasurer, Mrs. J. W. Killinger, who have all been serv- 
ing for a long time. 

A Men's Mite Society was suggested in the spring of 
1 89 1. It was barely organized, but a few contributions 
were made and paid over to the Ladies Mite Society. 



The Societies. 149 

The Missionary Society was organized June, 1890, with 
the pastor, Rev. Resser, as President; J. W. Killinger, 
Jr., Vice-President; Mrs. Mary A. Gilroy, Secretary; 
and Mrs. C. M. Bowman, Treasurer. A Constitution was 
adopted, in which the field of the society was expressed as 
extending "from the City of Lebanon to the uttermost 
parts of the earth." The first Wednesday evening of each 
month was the time of meeting. The Missionary Society 
of Lebanon Classis had been organized October 9, 1889, 
and this congregational society became identified with it 
at once. 

Very few men, however, attended these meetings, and 
it was, therefore, decided that it should be a Woman's 
Missionary Society, March 9, 1892. The time of meet- 
ing was changed to the second Monday evening of the 
month, and arrangement was made with the consistory 
to receive the first Wednesday evening's collection every 
month. With this reorganization, the Constitution was 
modified and the following officers elected: President, 
Mrs. C. N. Seidle; Vice-President, Miss Mary Johnston; 
Treasurer, Mrs. Chas. H. Killinger; Secretary, Mrs. Mary 
A. Gilroy. 

A Missionary Sezv-ing Society was constituted there- 
with in October, 1890, and for several years was very 
active under Mrs. J. A. Weimer as President. Needy 
families in the vicinity were helped, and funds were raised 
for more distant benevolent objects. 

Different plans have been pursued by the society for 
the accomplishing of its objects. Collections are lifted at 
all meetings. Mite boxes are placed in the families of the 
congregations at stated times and after a while collected. 
A valuable box of clothing has been sent nearly every 
winter to some needy missionary in the West or South. 
In '93, 144 dressed dolls, a number of quilts for hospitals, 
with many other kindred articles, were sent to Japan. A 



150 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

Classical pledge of $40 is paid annually. The society gave 
a large proportion of the Building Fund raised by the Mis- 
sionary Society of Lebanon Classis, and freely responds, 
in accordance with its funds, to worthy claims from what- 
ever quarter. 

The present officers are : 
President — Mrs. J. H. Bressler. 
Secretary — Mrs. Mary A. Gilroy. 
Treasurer — Ella M. Shirk. 
Corresponding Secretary — Sue M. DeHuff. 

A Mission Band was organized, in the early days of the 
Missionary Society, amongst the children of the Primary 
Department by their Superintendent, Mrs. John Meily. 
The work was afterward taken up by Mrs. Mary E. Slike, 
then Secretary of the Woman's Missionary Society. A 
very creditable work done by them was the furnishing of 
the Infirmary in the Frick Cottage at Bethany Orphans 
Home, in the fail of 1896. 

A Young People's Society was organized in February, 
1884, for the purpose of mental and spiritual improve- 
ment. It was composed of young men and women, who 
met every Thursday evening for a time in the pastor's 
study. This developed into the Society of Church Work, 
which during the reconstruction of the church was very 
active and raised for that object $500. 

These same workers were organized into the present 
Young People's Society in the early months of 1897, with 
Mrs. J. A. Weimer as President. Their first labor was to 
help meet the deficiencies in current expenses, which they 
did with liberal hand, and the surplus from the effort was 
used in placing the church pavement. For a time, literary 
features entered into some of their programs, but these 
features were dropped for concentration upon the pri- 
mary object of raising funds, which have been gathered 



The Societies. 151 

by means of dues, festivals, entertainments, etc. Their 
splendid work during- the winter months of 1899 and 
1900 issued in a contribution of $800 toward the final 
liquidation of the church debt. They continue to assist 
in various lines of church work, particularly the support 
of the choir. The Young People's Society holds the 
place in the church life once held by the Ladies Aid 
Society. If the present Mite Society, made up of the 
older ladies, is no longer so large as it once was, there is 
compensation and satisfaction in the activity and vigor of 
this Young People's Society. 

The officers are : 

Ella M. Shirk, President. 
Mrs. L. C. Walter, Vice-President. 
Mrs. F. S. Kauifman, Secretary. 
Jennie Parsons, Treasurer. 

A Mens Prayer-Meeting was held several years before 
and for a while after 1890. It met in the Men's Bible 
Class room for about a half-hour before the Sabbath even- 
ing service. The meetings, consisting of Bible talks, song 
and prayer, were conducted informally by leaders ap- 
pointed from time to time. The testmiony of a number of 
individuals to the personal helpfulness of these meetings 
is but a casual indication of the amount of lasting good 
done. 

The Christian Endeavor Society is, in a certain sense, 
the outgrowth of the Men's Prayer-Meeting. It was or- 
ganized in 1894, a few years after the former's discon- 
tinuance. The leading spirits therein were Miss Mary F. 
Johnston, Miss Helen B. Bressler and Harry W. Bright. 
It was called Zzvingli League before it took on the name 
Christian Endeavor. The Constitution was adopted Jan- 
uary 2, 1898. It has been giving $10 every year to the 



152 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

support of the Christian Endeavor Missionary of the Re- 
formed Church in Japan. The prayer-meeting before the 
Sabbath evening" service has been its principal feature, 
and therein it has been doing a quiet work of edification 
and training among the youth of the church. 

The officers are : 

Meta Craumer, President. 

Jennie Parsons, Vice-President. 

Catharine Smith, Treasurer. 

Ella Smith, Secretary. 

Jennie Parsons, Corresponding Secretary. 

Mabel Walmer, Organist. 

Margaret McLaughlin, Assistant Organist. 

The last society to make its appearance in the life of 
St. John's is for the boys and girls — the Junior Christian 
Endeavor Society. In a sense, it is a continuance of the 
Mission Band, for after that work was dropped, the work- 
ers therein became the members of the Junior. The date 
of the organization was October 17, 1897. The first 
President was Mrs. W. J. Johnson, and the first Superin- 
tendent, Mrs. D. A. Frantz, has been the efficient leader 
through these four years. The Juniors are active little 
bodies, and their training in Bible reading, prayer and 
service means much for their future. Each member of 
the society serves on a committee, and each committee is 
under the care and direction of an advisory member of 
more mature years. The work of the Flower Committee 
has been especially beautiful and blessed. The rooms of 
the sick and infirm have been brightened from week to 
week with a modest bouquet, and the Scripture text witn 
it brings comfort and assures of sympathy. There are 
many thankful hearts because of this quiet ministry. It 
is apparently a small work, yet its mighty meaning is sug- 



The Societies. 153 

gested when we think that from five to ten bouquets are 
delivered every week throughout the months of the year. 

The officers are : 

Mrs. D. A. Frantz, Superintendent. 
Mabel Walmer, Assistant Superintendent. 
Lillian M. Gingrich, President. 
Katharine Miller, Vice-President. 
Edith Frantz, Secretary. 
Tillie Boger, Assistant Secretary. 
Fannie Boyer, Treasurer. 
Mabel Walmer, Organist. 
Blanche Gates, Assistant Organist. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

MEETING THE CURRENT EXPENSE. 



REFERENCE has been made elsewhere to the 
financial work involved in building, repairing and 
liquidating debts. Meeting the current expenses 
from year to year is a vital operation in the work 
of a church. Happy is the congregation which can do it 
comfortably and avoid deficits. Plans must be laid for 
this, and what is more important, they must be carried 
out. Provision for this was begun in St. John's Church, 
October 19, i860, the day after the congregation was or- 
ganized, when the members w^ere approached and asked 
to sign the following : 

"We, the undersigned, agree to take the pew, the num- 
ber of which is set opposite our respective names, and 
pay the rent fixed thereon in four equal quarterly pay- 
ments to the Treasurer of the church, the first payment to 
be made on the ist day of January, 1861.'' 

This work of arranging for sittings was in the hands of 
a pew committee, of which J. W. Mish was at first the 
chairman, and after a few years was succeeded by John 
Meily. It appears, moreover, that the chairman of this 
pew committee was also treasurer of this fund, for the 
salary of the pastor in the early days was paid by him. 
The numbering of the pews was then the same as now. 
There is invariably shrinkage in such a subscription 
scheme, and occasionally there were deficits. These defi- 
ciencies were heroically met by levying assessments on 
the members in approximate proportion to their means, 
and the members without flinching faithfully responded. 
For several years in the early 70s, effort was made to 
secure a rating of the pews more specific and exacting, 
but the result of this agitation and experiment was the 
action taken January 4, 1875, "to abolish the pew system, 
154 



Meeting the Current Expense, 155 

so far as a specified rent is concerned, but to allow fam- 
ilies to select and to occupy the pews as now, and instead 
of pew rent have a voluntary subscription for the pur- 
pose of meeting expenses/^ 

This method continued until the beginning of 1885, 
when it was improved by introducing the envelope system 
and having not only heads of families, but every indi- 
vidual and church attendant, agree to give a certain sum 
annually, and then pay it either quarterly on monthly. A 
financial secretary was receiver of funds, and promptly 
reminded such as came in arrears. The matter was thus 
closely followed up and worked well for a while. 

In order to increase the income of the church, a scheme 
of pew rating was again adopted in January, 1894. it 
promised well, but suffered from the inevitable shrinkage, 
and after a time came short. The congregation has now 
practically reverted to the system adopted in 1885. A 
contingent fund was established in 1899, and is supported 
by a large number of contributors, many of whom had 
not been paying to the support of the church through any 
other channel. Weekly contributions to this fund aggre- 
gate a goodly sum annually, and it proves a helpful agency 
in meeting contingencies and avoiding deficits. The dea- 
cons have, as a rule, been the pew committee throughout 
the history of the church. 

The first cost of ground and church was $22,462.14. 
The statistical table gives the yearly amounts expended 
for congregational purposes from 1875 to 1901, aggre- 
gating $86,197. There is no record for the years preced- 
ing 1875. A conservative estimate would be $1,500 a 
year for congregational purposes, making $21,000 for tlie 
fourteen years. Thus the aggregate expense for sustain- 
ing the local operations of St. John's Church throughour 
its history would be $129,659.14. Add to this, $30,000 
for benevolence, and we have the grand total of $159,- 
659.14 as the financial outlay of this one congregation. 



CHAPTER XV. 

WORSHIP. 



UNDER this general heading, we take notice of a 
number of interesting things, some of which are 
characteristic of the phase of church Hfe repre- 
sented by St. John's. The congregation has 
been churchly, and this means good taste approved by the 
centuries appHed to the things of the church. Dr. Har- 
baugh, imbued with these ideas, disgusted with the dis- 
orderly practices of many congregations, found in the 
members of St. John's ready followers along these new 
paths. Those who received from their great first pastor a 
taste of these new practices which in the Christian Church 
were already sanctified with centuries of use, naturally 
longed for further instruction along the same lines. It 
was felt, however, that too strong emphasis on these fea- 
tures of churchly practice would militate against the 
growth of the congregation in a community not in sym- 
pathy therewith. To what extent this is true, we forebear 
to conjecture. It is for us sympathetically to record tlie 
facts. 

We have elsewhere noted the brief practice of wearing 
the gown. The cross in due time found its place on the 
steeple, in windows, on the altar, and adjacent conspic- 
uous places. On the altar, likewise, are found the Chris- 
mon and other significant monograms and words. The 
symbolical arrangement of the pulpit furniture, with the 
altar central, is the practice here as it is in the churches 
of the Continent. The beautiful custom has been ob- 
served for about 15 years of having book-marks of colors 
appropriate to the successive days and seasons of the 
Church Year : 
156 



Worship. 157 

White, symbolical of the spotless Lamb of God, is used 
on Christmas Day, Easter Day, Ascension Day and Trinity 
Sunday ; during the Christmas season, the Easter season, 
and the Ascension season ; and on baptismal, confirmation 
and communion occasions. 

Red, emblematic of fire and blood, is used at Whitsun- 
tide to typify the fiery tongues, and on the three Martyrs 
Days following Christmas Day, if observed, as has been 
rarely done. 

Purple, the emblem of penitence and mourning, is used 
during the Advent, the pre-Lenten and the Lenten sea- 
sons, and at funerals. 

Green, the symbol of hope and peace, is used during the 
Epiphany and Trinity seasons. 

Black, the symbol of death, is used on Good Friday, 
when the altar and pulpit are draped in the same color. 

The Church Year, with its round of lessons covering 
every phase of faith and practice according to the np- 
proved Liturgy, has always been observed, the ministers, 
however, assuming therein some measure of freedom. 
Holy Week and the great Festival days have always 
been faithfully celebrated. These observances were, per- 
haps, most enthusiastic, in the early years under the in- 
spiration of Dr. Harbaugh, though the special Lenten 
Service of Friday afternoon has been in vogue only 
about fifteen years. 

The communions were, for at least the first half decade, 
held in the evening, Dr. Harbaugh being very insistent 
upon its appropriateness. Change was made to the morn- 
ing for practical considerations. The communion has 
with very few exceptions been celebrated on Advent Sun- 
day, and on Easter day, save for a few years, when, with 
the thought of the institution of the Holy Supper, Holy 
Thursday evening was substituted. Trinity Sunday has 
varied with Whitsunday, the present custom in this eel- 



158 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

ebration. The fourth communion service of the year 
has been held about the beginning of October. Saturday 
evening has generally been the time for the preparatory 
service, though Friday evening has lately been adopted 
for the better accommodation of business men. 

The time for the mid-week service has, as a rule, been 
Wednesday evening. The consistory, through the vari- 
ous periods of these forty years, has had nearly every 
day of the week appointed as its stated monthly time of 
meeting, and now convenes regularly on the last Sunday 
of the month after the morning service. For the past 
thirteen years, quarterly congregational meetings have 
been held in addition to the annual meeting required jjy 
the charter. 

Memorial services were held for Lincoln and Garfield, 
the martyr presidents. The congregation has welcomed 
various orders which from time to time have asked Lo 
worship with them. St. John's has joined occasionally 
in union services with the churches of the city, and has 
dispensed with service a number of times to unite with 
the other Reformed churches on their special occasions. 
Several services have always been omitted during the 
summer months when the pastor receives a vacation and 
the number of worshipers is at any rate decimated be- 
cause of absence from the city. 

In all regular services of the congregation the prescrib- 
ed liturgical practice has been closely followed with but 
few variations. Free prayer after the sermon was occa- 
sionally employed by the earlier pastors as they were 
prompted or occasion seemed to require, and during the 
fifth pastorate it was the rule. In the morning service, 
the Lord^s Prayer has been chanted from the beginning. 

The Provisional Liturgy, with its brief but choice col- 
lection of 104 hymns, was used until 1867, when the Or- 
der of Worship, having just appeared, was substhuted 



Worship. 159 

and has been employed to the present. When the con- 
gregation discontinued using the Hymn collection in the 
Provisional Liturgy, "Psalms and Hymns" was adopted 
and used until Easter Sunday, 1885, when the Eastern 
Hymn Book — ''Hymns for the Reformed Church," — was 
introduced. In the summer of 1900 the Reformed 
Church Hymnal was procured. 

Good music is a prominent part of a refreshing liturgi- 
cal service, and this feature has received decided em. ■ 
phasis throughout. Chanting was especially character- 
istic of the earlier days. The standard old classics and 
all the festival canticles were then regularly chanted. Dur- 
ing the first pastorate, the morning service was not only 
opened with a chant but the evening service was also 
closed in the same manner. The choir regarded it as 
part of their regular duty to attend all funerals, when at 
the grave, 'T am the Resurrection" was solemnly chanted. 
Want of efficient musical leadership at certain periods 
has occasioned decline in this edifying practice. 

A devoted and sympathetic organist is of the greatest 
service in a congregation's v/orship, and in this St. John's 
has, as a rule, been well favored. The following were 
organists : during the first decade, Dr. Simeon T. Lin- 
eaweaver, Theodore D. Fisher, Miss Catharine A. Glon- 
inger. Miss Meta Lawrence, Prof. Morrow, Miss Eliza 
Altemus, and Prof. Augustine; during the second dec- 
ade, Wm. Raber, John H. Riegert, and Geo. Bowman: 
during the third decade, Miss Mary Gleim, Geo. Bow- 
man, Geo. T. Long and John K. Lineaweaver ; during the 
fourth decade, Charles G. DeHuff, and Charles H. Smith, 
the present incumbent. There were doubtless others, 
serving perhaps at times as substitutes, regarding whom 
information cannot be obtained. Special mention is due 
the lamented Wm. Raber, who was a gifted and brilliant 
organist. The organist of the congregation was on duty 
as a rule in the Sunday-school and mid-week service. 



i6o History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

The place of song in the service of the sanctuary is of 
such importance that singing classes were sometimes or- 
ganized for the training of the voices. This has not been 
necessary of late, owing to the musical instruction given 
in the public schools. For several years before and after 
1870 this was a marked feature of the church life, and 
considerable money was appropriated by the congrega- 
tion for this purpose. Prof. Kurzenknabe, of Harrisburg, 
and Prof. Waring were then employed, and about ten 
years later Dr. S. T. Lineaweaver was engaged to instruct 
the choir. Theodore D. Fisher was the first leader of the 
choir. Of inestimable service for the first twenty years 
was Wm. G. Bowman, who, with his sweet voice and pa- 
tient faithfulness, led the choir, and the singing of the ju- 
nior department of the Sunday-school where he was ac- 
companied by Richard Meily on the organ. J. K. Rau- 
denbush followed as choir leader for a time and was suc- 
ceeded by H. K. Bentz, who served efiiciently for a num- 
ber of years during the early 8o's; during the fourth 
decade, E. E. Shartel, for a while the pastor. Rev. W. J. 
Johnson, and also Samuel McAdam. The organists 
have sometimes led the choir and others likewise not here 
mentioned. These leaders have as a rule given their ser- 
vices to the Sunday-school also. 

A paid choir was not thought of in the early period, 
but conditions have changed. During the early 90^5 a 
very fine choir was employed at considerable expense to 
the congregation. This was followed by a volunteer 
choir which has done splendid service. This is as it should 
be. When God has endowed persons with vocal talent, 
their voices should be consecrated to Him in return, for 
the edification of their own congregational fellowship. 
Leaders and organists who have spent much time and 
means in acquiring their skill are of course remunerated. 
The recent practice also has been to employ singers to 



Worship. i6i 

meet the demands of special occasions or exigencies, from 
time to time. 

The choir has always been under the general oversight 
and care of the consistory, which has given it financial 
support. Sometimes voluntary contributions from the 
congregation have sustained it. At present the necessary 
means for retaining the leader, securmg musical supplies, 
etc., are raised by the Young People's Society and tlie 
Men's Bible class, and this feature receives the direct at- 
tentio*! of one of its members, Mr. L. C. Walter. Tjie 
present faithful and efficient choir is made up of the fol- 
lowing: Organist, Chas. H. Smith; soprano, Mrs. A. N. 
Hoffer, Mrs. F. S. Kauffman, Catharine A. Smith, Lillie 
M. Gingrich; alto, Mrs. D. A. Frantz, Eva A. Haak ; 
tenor, L. C. Walter; baritone, Samuel McAdam, (lead- 
er) ; bass, Milford B. Maurer. 



T 



CHAPTER XVI. 

THE BENEVOLENT WORK OF THE CHURCH. 

HE crown and glory of Christian life is benevo- 
lent activity. Faith and hope are great, but the 
greatest is love. What is true of the individual 
is true of the congregation. Worship, magnifi- 
cent and soul-inspiring, may yet be largely selfish. The 
test of our love to God and devotion to Christ is doing 
good unto the least of His brethren, and thus doing it 
unto Him. The attempt is vain to put on record the ex- 
tent of the beneficence of a congregation. The cold fig- 
ures of the benevolent column in the statistical table do 
not tell the story, however large they be. They may be 
very suggestive, however. Every Christian in his daily 
walk is confronted with imploring need and he does many 
deeds of kindness, acts of love. Many a contribution he 
makes which never is recorded in a public register of 
gifts received, nor does it help to swell the sum in his 
churches benevolent column. 

There are gifts also from the liberal hands of Chris- 
tians which do go on record, but are not credited to the 
charitable aggregate of his congregation's work. Yet 
when one investigates the recorded charities of even a 
small congregation and notices how, week after week 
through forty years, there is a steady outflow of benefi- 
cence which is distributed through the channels of the 
church to all parts of the world, the accumulated impres- 
sion is tremendous; and when one thinks that this is but 
a small mite in the mighty stream of the benevolent ac- 
tivity of all Christendom for the redemption of the world, 
he sings a spiritual song of gratitude in his heart to Al- 
mighty God, his Heavenly Father. 
162 



The Benevolent Work of the Church. 163 

We wonder how many members of St. John's have 
caught the legends inscribed on the several collection 
plates, as they deposit their alms Sabbath after Sabbath, 
"Honor the Lord with thy substance,'' ''Give alms of thy 
goods," ''God loveth a cheerful giver," "Godliness is 
great riches." Persons may have been indifferent to these 
particular words of teaching, yet we are sure that deep 
down in every one's heart is more or less distmct the sen- 
timent expressed in the words inscribed on the receiving 
plate which bears the offerings to the altar, "Of thine 
own have we given thee, O Lord." The first pastor 
taught that almsgiving should always go with prayer, so 
that the offering was an essential part of every service — 
save the Preparatory to the Holy Communion. The 
free-will offerings were from the beginning, therefore, 
intended for benevolence. The niggardly practice, onlv 
too general, which has given the name "penny collection" 
to this free-will offering of the people has, through the 
force of prevailing custom, no doubt greatly clipped the 
wings of charity. This shameful designation is used in 
the first few annual reports of the consistorial treasurer. 
True instruction in giving, however, made persons feel 
that they must rise above this monotonous, miserly min- 
imum, and the term "penny collection" was dropped. The 
big heart and unfailing generosity of the second pastor 
greatly re-enforced the previous teaching and in the years 
following the coming of Dr. Johnston we notice a decided 
increase in the annual aggregate of contributions. 

The offerings went into the hands of the consistory, 
who appointed a treasurer of this consistorial fund. Dis- 
bursement has always been through the consistory, to 
whom appeals for help come. Especially during the sec- 
ond pastorate do we find frequent record of local charity 
work performed. 

The apportionment system obtains in the benevolent 



164 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

activities of the Reformed Church. St. John's has been 
loyal to this claim; its rule being to pay the apportion- 
ment in full, and it has had but few exceptions. This ap- 
portionment has been a steadily increasing amount. In 
1869 it was $60; in 1895, $509, though since the latter 
date there has been a decrease. The benevolent column 
in the statistical table is supposed to represent the sum 
total of moneys contributed annually by all departments 
of the church, and this has always been much more than 
the apportionment. St. John's has responded liberally 
to the charitable and educational claims of the denomi- 
nation, and special appeals, local and from a distance, 
have been gladly heard and answered. It would be in- 
teresting to note the amounts given to the various ob- 
jects during these forty years, but this is impossible, be- 
cause the records are too defective. 

The sum total of the benevolent column in the statis- 
tical table is $23,090, and of six years including the Ter- 
centenary ofiferings of $2,230, there is no report. Nor do 
such figures take in much which if known might prop- 
erly go into such a report ; so that we are safe in making 
the statement in round numbers that at least $30,000 was 
given for benevolence during these two score years. 
Surely not a poor showing. 

Communions and festival occasions are not complete 
without special ofiferings of thanksgiving. The Lenten 
season calls for sacrifice, and those who entered into the 
spirit of it always made it a season of special gifts into 
the treasury of the Lord. In 1894 a sacrifice envelope 
was given to the members of the church and Sunday- 
school in the Lenten season, and the individual appeal 
brought forth a liberal response. The congregation con- 
tinues to use it with great success. 

Reference has been made elsewhere to the gifts of 
$2,000 to the College and to the Seminary Library by 



The Benevolent Work of the Church. 165 

three persons during the Tercentenary year, to the 
Krause legacy of $100 to the Sunday-school library dur- 
ing 1866, and to the Philip Fisher bequest. By the last 
will and testament of Philip Fisher, who died in 1882, a 
bequest of $200 was made to be invested for the benefit 
of St. John's Sunday-school, which should receive the in- 
terest thereon ''yearly forever." One hundred dollars was 
likewise given for the benefit of Home Missions, to which 
the interest thereon should go through the pastor "yearly 
forever." The trustees were made the custodians of this 
sum of $300, and they invested it in St. John's parsonage 
at its building. We have no knowledge, however, that 
thereafter interest was paid either to the Sunday-school 
or to Home Missions. 

It is with a feeling of regret that we cannot record 
more personal gifts in the way of perpetual funds. Are 
there not persons of sufficient wealth in St. John's con- 
gregation to do handsome things for the institutions of 
the Church which are in need of equipment and endow- 
ment? Far better that than to leave it to thankless in- 
heritors, who will perhaps, as is so often the case, work 
their own demoralization by squandering it. Are there 
not those who will give to these objects while they live 
and have the pleasure of seeing and enjoying the fruits 
of their beneficence? May there be legacies at any rate. 
We hope that the future historian may be able to make 
record of building funds established, of professorial chairs 
endowed, of memorial buildings erected by members of 
St. John's who love the Reformed Church and the glory 
of God. 



CHAPTER XVIL 

STATISTICS. 

(These figures are taken from the minutes of Synod.) 





MEMBERS 


ADDITIONS 


LOSSES 


Sunday- 
School 


CONTBIBU- 
TIONS 




to 


1 


1 

1 


a 

8 
a 


i 

1 

1 

a 

H 


1 


I 


II 

t, ft 


5 


2 


'3 

3 

B 

1 

ll 
si 


a 
p 

1 




1 




i 

a> 
g 


Congregational 
Purposes 


1861 


86 
109 
110 
110 
110 
100 
11) 
120 
120 
130 
150 
160 
168 
186 
190 
196 
190 
200 
200 
220 
230 
200 
220 
220 
231 
245 
254 
268 
291 
294 
294 
315 
331 
343 
353 
358 
359 
365 
211 
240 
246 


86 
107 
101 
101 
70 
80 
90 
100 
80 
80 
120 
130 
130 
150 
160 
150 
150 
150 
160 
160 
180 
150 
160 
160 
142 
142 
155 
181 
174 
177 
188 
225 
245 
275 
280 
290 
296 
296 
161 
185 


70 

81 

89 

89 

89 

80 

90 

88 

80 

80 

90 

70 

70 

70 

80 

80 

90 

80 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

150 

150 

160 

161 

163 

164 

169 

174 

175 

176 

178 

180 

125 

110 

109 

110 

99 


V— V— ' 


7 
7 
5 


20 
19 






2 
5 
4 










1862 


12 
10 


« 














1863 




(22) 


(108) 







1864 










1865 


6 
9 
7 
14 
9 
18 
10 
20 


""ii 

8 
8 
7 
9 
8 
15 


9 
4 
4 
1 
3 
4 
12 


6 
3 


'.'.'.'.'.'. 


3 
5 
3 













1866 






100 
120 
130 
130 
130 
140 
150 
150 
150 
150 
150 
150 
160 
180 
170 
180 
150 
160 
160 
186 
198 
200 
202 
221 
192 
190 
215 
235 
250 
255 
176 
215 
230 
188 
226 
229 


$565 00 
320 00 

1,200 00 
415 00 
402 00 
350 00 
669 00 




1867 




1868 


2 
4 
4 






1869 




3 
10 
4 
5 








1870 




1871 




1872 


3 






1873 





1874 


15 
9 
6 
12 


12 
6 

10 
7 
2 
9 

19 
6 
8 
7 

18 
8 
4 

11 

14 

12 
5 
5 

19 
7 
7 

11 
7 

11 
7 


3 
4 
5 
3 

9 
5 

8 

t 

7 
6 
6 
5 
5 
5 
14 
1 
3 
5 
11 
11 
1 
3 
2 
6 


6 
2 
2 
2 
3 




3 
4 

"4 

2 


;:: 




225 00 

300 00 

2,825 00 

320 00 
300 00 
325 00 
482 00 
500 00 
718 00 
600 00 
700 00 
424 00 

321 00 
774 00 
543 00 
584 00 
445 00 
589 00 
917 00 

1,036 00 
871 00 
662 00 
1,018 00 
1,065 00 
650 00 
580 00 
766 00 
629 00 




1875 


$3,800 00 
2,500 00 
2,600 00 
2,000 00 
2,500 00 


1876 


1877 


1878 


13 

10 

13 

6 

9 

15 

16 

2 

10 

10 

9 

13 

7 

8 

11 

6 

9 

13 

9 

15 

5 

4 

8 

10 


2 

2 

1 

""i 

3 
1 

i 

""i 
"i 


18/9 


1880 






8 
8 

7 
4 
4 
5 
2 
5 

4 
6 
3 

1 
2 
4 
4 

8 
4 

7 
4 

41 


i 
i 

3 


'41 
41 
44 
45 
46 
41 
41 
40 
40 
38 
39 
43 


1881 


1,800 00 
1,700 00 
2,000 00 
2,600 00 
1,852 00 
2 590 00 


1882.. 


•■"2 


1883 


2 
2 
2 
2 
4 
3 
1 
2 
3 
1 
4 
2 
1 
4 
3 
4 
9 
8 


""i 
""i 

"i6 
lis 

2 
4 


1884 


1885 


1886 


1887 




1888 


1,400 00 
1,805 00 
7,864 00 
7,476 00 
3,566 00 
3,859 00 
3,629 00 
3,673 00 
3,366 00 
3,022 00 
2,469 00 
2,459 00 
5,532 00 
2,857 Oo 


1889 


1890 


1891 


1892 


1893 


1894 


1895 


1896 


1897. 


1898 

1899 


1900 


1 

3 


16 
12 


27 
10 


1901 


186 1021 









166 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



CHURCH OFFICERS. 

Elders 
John Meily, 
Dr. W. M. Guilford, 
j. W. Mish. 



i860 

Trustees 
John Krause, 
Simeon Guilford, 
Wni. Shirk, 
Geo. Lineaweaver, 
Dr. C. D. Gloninger. 

1861 

John Krause, 
Simeon Guilford, 
Philip Fisher, 
J. W. Killinger, 
Dr. C. D. Gloninger. 

"1862 

Dr. C. D. Gloninger, W. J. Major, 
John Krause, J. W. Mish, 

Simeon Guilford, John Meily, 
Philip Fisher, Dr. W. M. Guilford. 

J. W. Killinrer. 



Deacons 
J. A. Walter, 
W. M. Major, 
J. J. Blair, 
D. S. Raber. 



J. W. Mish, D. S. Raber, 

W. J. Major, W. M. Major, 

John Meily, J. J. Blair, 

Dr. \V. M. Guilford. J. K. Funck. 



D. S. Raber, 
W. M. Major, 
J. J. Blair, 
J. K. Funck. 



1863 
J. W. Killinger, 
Dr. C. D. Glonmger. 
John Krause, 
Simeon Guilford, 
Philip Fisher. 



John Meily, 

Dr. W. M. Guilford. 

W. J. Major, 

J. W. Mish. 



1864 
Philip Fisher, W. M. Major, 

j. W. Killinger, Cyrus Boger, 

Dr. C. D. Glcninger, John Meily, 
John Krause, Dr. W. M. Guilford. 

Simeon Guilford. 



J. K. Funck, 
J. K. Bressler, 
D. S. Raber, 
W. M. Major. 



L. L. Greenawalt, 
D. S. Raber, 
J. K. Funck, 
J. H. Bressler. 

167 



1 68 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 



1865 

Trustees 
Simeon Guilford, 
Philip Fisher, 
J. W. Killinger, 



Elders 
John Meily, 
Dr. W. M. Guilford. 
W. M. Major, 



Dr. C. D. Gloninger, Cyrus Boger, 
John Krause. 



D. S. Raber, 

L. L. Greenawalt, 

John Meily, 

Dr. W. M. Guilford. 



1866 

A. Wilhelm, 
Simeon Guilford, 
Philip Fisher, 
J. W. Killinger, 
Dr. C. D. Gloninger. 

1867 
Dr. C. D. Gloninger, John Meily, 
A. Wilhelm, Dr. W. M. Guilford, 

Simeon Guilford, D. S. Raber, 

Philip Fisher, L. L. Greenawalt. 

J. W. Killinger. 



1868 

J. W. Killinger, 
Dr. C. D. Gloninger, 
A. Wilhelm, 
Simeon Guilford, 
Philip Fisher. 

1869 

Philip Fisher, 
J. W. Killinger, 
Dr. C. D. Gloninger, 
J. H. Bressler, 
Henry Raber. 



L. L. Greenawalt, 
D. S. Raber, 
John Meily, 
Dr. W. M. Guilford. 



John Meily, 
Dr. W. M. uuilford, 
L. L. Greenawalt, 
D. S. Raber. 



1870 

Henry Raber, D. S. Raber, 

Philip Fisher, L. L. Greenawalt, 

J. W. Killinger, John Meily, 

Dr. C. D. Gloninger, Dr. W. M. Guilford. 
J. H. Bressler. 



Deacons 
J. H. Bressler, 
J. K. Funck, 
L. L. Greenawalt, 
D. S. Raber. 



P. S. Greenawalt, 
S. H. Guilford, 
J. H. Bressler, 
J. K. Funck. 



J. H. Bressler, 
C. P. Sherk, 
P. S. Greenawalt, 
S. H. Guilford. 



S. H. Guilford, 
P. S. Greenawalt, 
J. H. Bressler, 
C. P. Sherk. 



C. P. Sherk, 
A. G. DeHufif, 
S. H. Guilford, 
P. S. Greenawalt. 



P. S. Greenawalt, 
S. H. Guilford, 
C. P. Sherk, 
A. G. DeHufif. 



Church Oificers. 



169 



1871 

Trustees 
J. H. Bressler, 
Henry Raber, 
Philip Fisher, 
J. W. Killinger, 
Dr. C. D. Gloninger. 

1872 

Dr. C. D. Gloninger, 
J. H. Bressler, 
Henry Raber, 
Philip Fisher, 
J. W. Killinger. 

1873 
J. W. Killinger, 
J. W. Mish, 
J. H. Bressler, 
Henry Raber, 
Philip Fisher. 

1874 
Philip Fisher, 
J. W. Killinger, 
J. W. Mish, 
J. H. Bressler, 
Henry Raber. 

1875 
Henry Raber, 
Philip Fisher, 
J. W. Killinger, 
J. W. Mish, 
J. H. Bressler. 

1876 

J. H. Bressler, 
Henry Raber, 
Philip Fisher, 
J. W. Killinger, 
J. W. Mish. 



Elders 
John Meily, 
Dr. W. M. Guilford, 
D. S. Raber, 
L. L. Greenawalt. 



L. L. Greenawalt, 
D. S. Raber, 
John Meily, 
Dr. W. M. Guilford. 



John Meily, 
Dr. W. M. Guilford, 
L. L. Greenawalt, 
D. S. Raber. 



D. S. Raber, 
Cyrus Boger, 
John Meily, 
Dr. W. M. Guilford. 



John Meily, 
Dr. W. M. Guilford, 
D. S. Raber, 
Cyrus Boger. 



D. S. Raber, 
Cyrus Boger, 
John Meily, 
Dr. W. M. Guilford. 



Deacons 
C. P. Sherk, 
J K. Funck, 
P. S. Greenawalt, 
S. H. Guilford. 



P. S. Greenawalt, 
S. H. Guilford, 
C. P. Sherk, 
J. K. Funck. 



J. K. Funck, 
C. P. Sherk, 
C. N. Seidle, 
P. S. Greenawalt. 



P. S. Greenawalt, 
C. N. Seidle, 
J. K. Funck, 
C. P. Sherk. 



C. P. Sherk, 
J. K. Funck, 
P. S. Greenawalt, 
C. N. Seidle. 



P. S. Greenawalt, 
C. N. Seidle, 
J. K. Funck, 
G. VV. Miller. 



170 Hist or 


y of St. John s Kef or, 


med Church. 


1^77 






Trustees 


Elders 


Deacons 


J. W. Mish, 


John Meily, 


J. K. Funck, 


J. H. Bressler, 


Dr. W. M. Guilford, 


G. W. Miller, 


Henry Raber, 


D. S. Raber, 


P. S. Greenawalt, 


Philip Fisher, 


Cyrus Boger. 


C. N. Seidle. 


J. W. Killinger. 






1878 






J. W. Killinger, 


D. S. Raber, 


P. S. Greenawalt, 


J. W. Mish, 


Cyrus Boger, 


C. N. Seidle, 


J. H. Bressler, 


John Meily, 


J. K. Funck, 


Henry Raber, 


Dr. W. M. Guilford. 


G. W. Miller. 


Philip Fisher. 






1879 






Philip Fisher, 


John Meily, 


Geo. Bowman, 


J. W. Killinger, 


Dr. W. M. Guilford, 


John Meily, Jr., 


J. W. Mish, 


D. S. Raber, 


P. S. Greenawalt, 


J. H. Bressler, 


J. K. Funck. 


C. N. Seidle. 


Plenry Raber. 






1880 






Henry Raber, 


D. S. Raber, 


P. S. Greenawalt, 


Philip Fisher, 


J. K. Funck, 


C. N. Seidle, 


J. W. Killinger, 


John Meily, 


Benjamin Smith, 


J. W. Mish, 


Dr. W. M. Guilford. 


John Meily, Jr. 


J. H. Bressler. 






1881 






J. H. Bressler, 


John Meily, 


John Meily, Jr., 


Henry Raber, 


Dr. W. M. Guilford, 


D. A. Frantz, 


Philip Fisher, 


D. S. Raber, 


P. S. Greenawalt, 


J. W. Killinger, 


J. K. Funck. 


C. N. Seidle. 


J. W. Mish. 






1882 






J. W. Mish, 


D. S. Raber, 


H. K. Bentz, 


J. H. Bressler, 


J. K. Funck, 


M. B. Scull, 


Henry Raber, 


John Meily, 


John Meily, Jr., 


Philip Fisher, 


Dr. W. M. Guilford. 


D. A. Frantz. 


Richard Meily, 






J. V/. Killinger. 







Church OiHcers. 



171 



1883 

Trustees 
J. W. Killinger, 
J. W. Mish, 
J. H. Bressler, 
Henry Raber, 
Richard Meily. 

1884 
Richard Meily, 
J. W. Killinger, 
J. W. Mish, 
J. H. Bressler, 
Henry Raber. 

1885 
Dr. W. M. Guilford, 
Richard Meily, 
J. W. Killinger, 
J. W. Mish, 
J. H. Bressler. 

1886 

J. H. Bressler, Adam Rise, 

Dr. W. M. Guilford, H. K. Bentz, 

Richard Meily, J. K. Funck, 

J. W. Killinger, Cyrus Boger. 
J. W. Mish. 



Elders 
P. S. Greenawalt, 
W. J. Burnside, 
D. S. Raber, 
J. K. Funck. 



D. S. Raber, 
H. K. Bentz, 
P. S. Greenawalt, 
W. J. Burnside. 



J. K. Funck, 
Cyrus Boger, 
D. S. Raber, 
H. K. Bentz. 



Deacons 
D. A. Frantz, 
J. K. Raudenbush, 
M. B. Scull, 
H. K. Bentz. 



M. B. Scull, 
Benjamin Smith, 
D. A. Frantz, 
J. K. Raudenbush 



D. A. Frantz, 
C. G. Gerhart, 
W. T. Frantz, 
M. B. Scull. 



M. B. Scull, 
W. T. Frantz, 
D. A. Frantz, 
C. G. Gerhart. 



J. W. Mish, 
J. H. Bressler, 
Dr. W. M. Guilford, 
Richard Meily, 
J. W. Killinger. 



Cyrus Boger, 
J. K. Funck, 
H. K. Bentz, 
Adam Rise. 



C. G. Gerhart, 

D. A. Frantz, 
M. B. Scull, 
W. T. Frantz. 



C. N. Seidle, 

J. W. Mish, 

J. H. Bressler, 

Dr. W. M. Guilford, 

Richard Meily. 



H. K. Bentz, 
Adam Rise, 
Cyrus Boger, 
J. K. Funck. 



M. B. Scull, 
W. T. Frantz. 

C. G. Gerhart, 

D. A. Frantz. 



History of St. John's Reformed Church. 



172 

1889 

Trustees 
Jesse Gerhart, 
C. N. Seidle, 
J. W. Mish, 
J. H. Bressler, 
Dr. W. M. Guilford. 



Elders 
C. G. Gerhart, 
J. K. Funck, 
H. K. Bentz, 
Adam Rise. 



Deacons 
D. A. Frantz, 
W. P. Roger, 
C. M. Bowman, 
W. T. Frantz. 



1890 

Dr. W. M. Guilford, 
Jesse Gerhart, 
C N. Seidle, 
J. W. Mish, 
J. H. Bressler. 



II. K. Bentz, 
C. M. Bowman, 
C. G. Gerhart, 
J. K. Funck. 



W. T. Frantz, 
J W. Killinger, Jr. 
R. L. Marshall, 
D. A. Frantz. 



T. P. Frantz, 
Dr. W. M. Guilford, 
Jesse Gerhart, 
C. N. Seidle, 
J. W. Mish. 

1892 

T. P. Frantz, 
Dr. W. M. Guilford, 
Jesse Gerhart, 
C. N. Seidle. 



J. K. Funck, 
P. S. Greenawalt, 
W. P. Coldren, 
C. M. Bowman. 



C. M. Bowman, 
P. S. Greenawalt, 
W. P. Coldren, 
J. K. Funck. 



D. A. Frantz, 
R. L. Marshall, 
W. T. Frantz, 
J. W. Killinger, Jr. 



W. T. Frantz, 
J. W. Killinger, Jr. 
D. A. Frantz, 
R. L. Marshall, 
P. R. Rohrer. 



1893 
T. P. Frantz, 
Dr. W. M. Guilford, 
Jesse Gerhart. 



1894 

J. W. Killinger, 

T. P. Frantz, 

Dr. W. M. Guilford. 



J. K. Funck, 
W. P. Coldren, 
P. S. Greenawalt, 
C. M. Bowman. 



C. G. Gerhart, 
W. P. Boger, 
J. K. Funck, 
W. P. Coldren. 



D. A. Frantz, 
P. R. Rohrer, 
W. T. Frantz, 
J. W. Killinger, Jr. 



J. A. Weimer, 
W. T. Frantz, 
D. A. Frantz, 
P. R. Rohrer. 



Church Officers. 



173 



1895 

Trustees 
C. G. Gerhart, 
J. W. Killinger, 
Dr. A. B, Gloninger, 
T. P. Frantz. 



Elders 
C. Shenk, 
J. K. Funck, 
Jesse Gerhart, 
W. P. Boger. 



1896 

T. P. Frantz, W. P. Boger, 

C. G. Gerhart, Jesse Gerhart, 

Dr. A. B, Gloninger. C. Shenk, 

J. K. Funck. 



1897 
Dr. A. B. Gloninger, 
T. P. Frantz, 
C. G. Gerhart. 



i«9« 

Dr. A. B. G' 1 
T. P. Frantz, 
C. G. Gerhart. 



inger, 



J. K. Funck, 
C. Shenk, 
Jesse Gerhart, 
W. P. Boger. 



Cyrus Doger, 
C. M. Bowman, 
J. K. Funck, 
C. Shenk. 



1899 

C. G. Gerhart, J. K. Funck, 

T. P. Frantz, C. Shenk, 

Dr. A. B. Gloninger. Cyrus Boger, 

C. M. Bowman. 



Deacons 
H. N. Kline, 
H. C. Huber, 
J. A. Weimer, 
W. T. Frantz. 



J. A. Weimer, 
W. T. Frantz, 
H. N. Kline, 
H. C. Huber. 



H. C Huber, 
J. H. Alleman, 
J. A. Weimer, 
W. T. Frantz. 



J. A. Weimer, 
W. T. Frantz, 
H. C. Huber. 
J. H. Alleman. 



H. C. Huber. 
J. H. Alleman, 
J. A. Weimer, 
W. T. Frantz. 



1900 
Dr. A. B, Gloninger, C. M. Bowman, 
C. G. Gerhart, Richard Meily. 

T. P. Frantz. J. K. Funck, 

C. Shenk. 

1901 

T. P. Frantz, J. K. Funck, 

Dr. A. B. Gloninger, C. Shenk, 
John Meily. C. M, Bowman, 

Richard Meily. 



W. T. Frantz, 
C. K. Witmer, 
H. C. Huber, 
W. P. Boger. 



H. C. Huber, 
W. P. Boger, 
W. T. Frantz, 
C. K. Witmer. 



174 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

DELEGATES TO LEBANON CLASSIS. 

John Meily, '6^-67, '69, 'jz, '75, Dr- W. M. Guilford, '74. 

'76, '80. P. S. Greenawalt, 'Sz, '84. 

D. S. Raber, '71, '77, 7% '81, '82, Cyrus Boger, '86, '87. 

'85. J. K. Funck, '88-'oi. 

For a few years there was no delegate Elder present at the 
sessions of Classis. 

CHURCH TREASURERS. 



John Krause, '58-'6i. 
Jacob Weidle, '^2. 
J. W. Killinger, '63-'69. 
Henry Raber, '7o-'84. 



J. W. Mish, '85-'9i. 
T. P. Frantz, '92-'oo. 
John Meily, '01 — 



CONSISTORIAL TREASURERS. 



Jacob Weidle, '()2. 
D. S. Raber, '63-'65. 
J. H. Bressler, '66-'68. 



C. P. Sherk, '69. 

J. K. Funck, '7o-'83, '90 — 

H. K. Bentz, '84-'89. 



SECRETARIES OF THE CONSISTORY. 



J. V/. Mish, '6o-'62. 
J. K. Funck, '63-'64. 
L. L. Greenawalt, '65. 
Dr. S. H. Guilford, '66-'69. 
C. N. Seidle, '7Z-77- 
C. P. Sherk, '70-'72. 
G. W. Miller, '78. 
John Meily, Jr., '79, '80. 



D. A. Frantz, '81. 

H. K. Bentz, '82. 

M. B. Scull, '83. 

J. K. Raudenbush, '84. 

W. T. Frantz, '85-'88, '9i-'96. 

W. P. Boger, '89, '90, '00 — 

J. H. Alleman, '97-'99. 



PRESIDENTS OF THE CONGREGATION. 

John Krause, '61, '62. D. S. Raber, '84. 

John Meily, '6^, '69, '70, '91, 97. Dr. W. M. Guilford, '85, '86, '96. 



L. L. Greenawalt, '64, '65. 

Simeon Guilford, '66. 

Philip Fisher, '67, '68, '7i-'79, 

'81, '82. 
J. H. Bressler, '80, '83. 



Cyrus Boger, '88. 

T. P. Frantz, '89. 

C. N. Seidle, '90, '94. 

J. W. Killinger, '92, '93, '95. 

Christian Shenk, '98 — 



Church Officers. 



175 



SECRETARIES OF THE CONGREGATION. 



Cyrus Boger, '61, '62, '64. 

Dr. W. M. Guilford, '63, '74- 

S. P. Raber, '65. 

J. K. Funck, '66, '76-'79, '81. 

Jeremiah Hoffman, '67. 

P. S. Greenawalt, '68. 

Dr. S. H. Guilford, '69-'7i. 

L. L. Greenawalt, '72. 

C. N. Seidle, '73- 

J. W. Killinger, '75, '86-'88. 



John Meily, Jr., '80. 
Geo. F. Mull, '82. 
H. K. Bentz, '83, '84. 
P. R. Rohrer, '85. 
J. W. Killinger, Jr., '89- 
W. T. Frantz, '93. 
H. W. Bright, '94. 
C. M. Bowman, '95-'oo. 
R. L. Riegert, '01 — 



92. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



ROLL OF MEMBERS. 



HE names of all those who joined St. John's Church 
during its entire history are here given, — 624 in 
all. A few joined twice, having removed from 
the city and then returned. There were 61 char- 
ter members; 220 after the founders joined by certifi- 
cate; 289 by confirmation; 39 by baptism and confirma- 
tion, and 15 by renewal of profession. The time and 
manner in which each became a member of the church 
is given. A diligent search was made to find the dates of 
all who died ; regarding some no data could be gathered. 



THE FOUNDERS. 
Received by Certificate October 18, 1860. 



Name. 



William J. Major 

Jane Major 

A. Major 

Lydia A. Major 

William M. Major 

Catherine Major 

Jones Major 

Sarah E. Major 

John W. Killinger 

Mary H. Killinger 

Catherine A. DeHufT (Mrs. John Meily) 

Margaret DeHuff 

Annie E. DeHuff (Mrs. Richard Meily. . . 

E. H. Marshall 

G. P. Lineaweaver 

Mary L. Lineaweaver 

176 



Dates of Deaths. 



Sept. 5, 1863. 
.Dec. 2^, 1871. 
.March 4, ^'^7Z- 
.Deceased. 

.July 28, 1886. 

.Deceased. 
.June 30, 1896. 



Jan. 29, 1891. 

Feb. 5, 1892. 
.May 13, 1893. 



Roll of Members. 



177 



J. M. Raber 

D. S. Raber 

Maria L. Raber 

Lemuel Moyer 

T. D. Fisher 

W. R. Lineaweaver 

Sarah Lineaweaver 

Elizabeth Lineaweaver 

Caroline E. Bibighaus 

Harriet Wiestling 

Emily R, Miller 

P. S. Greenawalt 

Kate A. Gloninger (Mrs. A, Light) 

Simeon H. Guilford 

John Krause 

Elizabeth Krause 

John Meily 

Helen Meily 

J.J.Blair 

C. S. Blair 

John W. Mish 

Amelia E. Mish 

W. M. Guilford 

Mary E. Guilford 

M. A. Guilford (Mrs. John R. Evans) 

C. D. Gloninger 

Julia B. Gloninger 

John A. Walter 

Jacob K. Funck 

Lewis Rank 

Philip Fisher 

Louisa C. Fisher 

L. L, Greenawalt 

Cyrus Shirk 

Harriet N. Raber 

Eliza J. Bowman 

Mary Louisa Harbaugh 

M. O. A. Harbaugh (Mrs. S. T. Lineaweaver) 

Isabella Boger 

Cyrus Boger , 

Louisa C. Shirk 

Richard Meily 

Matilda K. Gloninger (Mrs. J. Wetherill) 

David M. Tice 

Mary Walter 



Dates of Deaths. 
.Oct. 2, 1880 

.Aug. 26, 1895 
.Jan. 23, 1898 
.june II 
•Aug. 3, 
.M;y 5, 
•May 5, 



1868, 
1863 
1887 
1877 



Mar. 27, 1880 
Dec. 12, 1884. 



.Dec. 27, i«6s. 
.Aug. 26, 1862. 

.Feb. 25, 1873. 



June 18, 1896. 



.Sept. 20, 1870. 
.Aug. 23, 1872. 

Jan. 22, 1883. 

June II, 1862. 
.May 14, 1882. 
.July 5, 1882. 
.Jan. 24, 1899. 
.April 10, 1870. 
.July 20, 1880. 

Feb. 17, 1897. 



.Oct. 24, 1896. 

.Nov. 16, 1896. 
• Aug. 29, 1880. 



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T 



CHAPTER XX. 

THE FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY, 
April 17-22, 1900. 

HIS delightful occasion will be long remembered 
by St. John's congregation. It was felt to be 
peculiarly fitting that after forty years and in 
the closing year of the century, the organization 
of the congregation should be becomingly memorialized. 
After six months' preparation, the celebration was held 
the week following Easter, 1900, beginning on Tuesday 
evening, April 17, and continuing until the following 
Sunday. The liquidation of the church debt of $3,500, 
some of it standing for fourteen years, rendered the oc- 
casion particularly joyous. As the debt was in the shape 
of a mortgage upon the parsonage, this document, being 
of no further use, was burned on the first evening of the 
anniversary in the presence of a large congregation. Rev. 
G. B. Resser, under whose pastorate the elaborate and 
costly improvements were made occasioning the debt, 
held the mortgage, whilst it was turned into smoke and 
ashes, the pastor. Rev. Henry H. Ranck, having applied 
the fire. 

In addition to the principal addresses of the anniver- 
sary, which are given on the following pages, shorter 
addresses were delivered by clergymen of Lebanon. This 
feature was felt by all to be particularly pleasant. Thus 
in the anniversary of this one congregation the sympathy 
and interest of the religious life of the whole city was 
aroused, and the liberal and charitable position for which 
the Reformed Church stands was beautifully exemplified. 
Moreover, it was specially an occasion for the Reformed 
people and churches of the city as such, and contributed 

205 



2o6 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

largely to the spirit of unity and mutual sympathy which 
never before, perhaps, prevailed in so large a measure. 

On the first evening, Rev. E. S. Bromer, pastor of Ta- 
bor, spoke on "The Mother Church," and bore greetings 
to Tabor^s eldest daughter, and congratulations from the 
mother's heart. Facts and statistics were given regard- 
ing the growth and extension of the Reformed Church in 
Lebanon and vicinity from the earliest days to the pres- 
ent. 

On the second evening, the pastor of St. Mark's Church, 
Rev. I. C. Fisher, spoke on "The Reformed Church in 
Lebanon," presenting a comparative study of the same 
during the past twenty-five years, during which the pop- 
ulation of the city more than doubled. The Reformed 
Church, however, failed to increase in the same ratio. 
"The total enrollment of the Reformed Church a quarter 
of a century ago was 1,145. The communicant list then 
was 760, or about 60 per cent, of the membership com- 
muned. The total membership of the four churches to- 
night is 1,632, a gain of about 25 per cent. The total 
number of communicants tonight is 1,290, or about 78 
per cent, of the membership communing. Twenty-five 
years ago, the average paid per member for benevolence 
was a fraction less than a dollar ; today it is a fraction more 
than $1.25 per member. This would mean a gain on the 
average of only one cent for each year. For congrega- 
tional purposes, the average paid by each member twenty- 
five years ago was $4; tonight it is $5; a gain of $1 per 
member. The enrollment of the Sunday-school a quarter 
of a century ago was 695 ; tonight it is all but 1,500, with 
an average attendance of about 1,100. In this we see the 
future of the Reformed Church in Lebanon. There are 
5,000 men, women and children in Lebanon that are non- 
church-goers. These make a demand upon our Reformed 
Church. Shall we lend a deaf ear to their wails and cries ? 



The Fortieth Anniversary. 207 

Is the Reformed Church not a church for the masses? 
Most assuredly we cannot pass by on the other side. The 
Reformed Church, with its history, its poUty, its cultus, 
and its life, and above all its liberty of thought, can reach 
many of these souls. Never in the history of the Reform- 
ed Church in Lebanon were the pastors more of one mind 
and more determined to win souls for the Master than to- 
night. Friends, members of the Reformed churches, 
since the pastors share such a feeling, ought not the 
members do the same?^^ 

On the third evening. Rev. P. C. Croll, pastor of the 
Seventh Street Lutheran Church, of Lebanon, spoke on 
^'Reformed and Lutheran," presenting very happily the 
close relation which these two sections of Protestantism 
have sustained to each other for nearly 400 years, and 
particularly in the union congregations in the Pennsylva- 
nia-German section of this country. He set forth the es- 
sential truths which each denomination conserved, and re- 
joiced that the outstretched hand of Zwingli is no longer 
rejected by Luther, and that these two great complement- 
ing bodies of Protestantism are shoulder to shoulder in 
work for the Master. 

On the fourth evening, the sermon was preached by the 
only son of St. John's in the ministry. Rev. H. W. Bright, 
of the Church of the Ascension, Norristown, Pa., on the 
theme, "The Gaining and Training of Members.'' He 
forcefully set forth the falsity of the notion that a con- 
gregation's work is only with the children who are born 
and grow up in the families of the church. We must 
evangelize the world as well as edify the Church. 

Following Rev. Bright, Rev. C. Lee Gaul, Ph.D., pas- 
tor of the Centenary M. E. Church, of Lebanon, spoke 
on "Members One of Another." He rejoiced in the lib- 
eral spirit pervading the evangelical churches of today. 
No denomination may call itself the Church to the dispar- 



2o8 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

agement of others. We are one in Christ, and have, in 
His name, a great common work to perform. 

On Sunday afternoon, the last day of the anniversary, 
a meeting of the congregation and Sunday-school to- 
gether was held. Addresses were delivered by Prof. 
Richards and Rev. S. S. Miller. Mr. John Meily read 
the history of the Sunday-school, and Mrs. D. A. Frantz, 
the organizer and superintendent of the Junior C. E. So- 
ciety of St. John's, gave an account of her work amongst 
the youth of the church. 

On the same evening, the discourse was preached by 
Prof. Richards, from i Cor. i : 23, 24, "We preach Christ 
crucified, unto Jews a stumbling-block and unto Gentiles 
foolishness ; but unto them that are called, both Jews and 
Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of 
God." 

Excellent music was rendered by the volunteer choir 
at all these services. 

TUESDAY EVENING, APRIL 17. 

THE ANNIVERSARY SERMON BY REV. GEORGE B. RESSER, 
HANOVER, PA. 

Luke 1 5 : 6 — He calleth together his friends and neigh- 
bors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me. 

In the realm of the purely finite, from the standpoint 
which this world gives us, there is always an element of 
sadness about the celebration of anniversary occasions, 
which admits of scarcely any mitigation, because, almost 
without exception, they induce the recollection of ab- 
sences which are painful to the participants. It is true 
that, in the observances of such occasions by associations 
which have an exclusively human origin, there is an 
attempt at overcoming the eflFect of vacancies which death 
has made in the ranks, by gratefully rehearsing the vir- 



The Fortieth Anniversary. 209 

tues of those who have been removed, and drawing in- 
spiration from the nobiHty of their lives. There is, to be 
sure, a fitness about all this. It has, to say the least, an 
unquestionable appropriateness about it: and yet, it is 
far from all that is desirable. It connects the living per- 
sonally with the departed only by a backward glance, and, 
however genuine may be the benefit to be derived from 
the example which the latter have left, that benefit is re- 
stricted by the limit of men's stay upon earth. 

But just as soon as we come within the range of 
Christ's Kingdom, the Holy Catholic Church, we have 
something immeasurably higher and better. As we, for 
example, enter upon the celebration of this fortieth anni- 
versary of St. John's congregation, it is not without some 
swelling emotions which would naturally be marked by 
sadness. How many there are who have been integral 
parts of this body mystical in days gone by that are not 
with us now, to join in these delightful and enspiriting 
exercises! Some of them, to whose mature judgment 
and varied experience we were accustomed to look for 
counsel and guidance; some of them, whose ripeness of 
piety and gentleness of spirit were as a balm to our souls ; 
others in whose virile strength of character we found an 
uplifting inspiration; and others, in whose virgin purity 
of life we saw, with joy, the image of heavenly innocence 
reflected. 

A large company of these, with whom we were wont 
to be associated bodily in the fellowship of this Christian 
household, have been removed from our natural sight, 
and their voices do not mingle with ours now as they once 
did. But we are not shut up to thinking of them as 
having gone away from us forever, so far as we can tell, 
leaving us only the recollection of what they were to us, 
and the incentive of their example, to aid us in prosecut- 
ing the arduous work of life so that we may, at last, make 



2IO History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

our exits from the world honored and respected by our 
generation, for we are taught by our Holy Apostolic 
Creed to believe in the communion of saints, and it should 
be of special force for us that the first pastor of this con- 
gregation, by his keen, spiritual insight, has led us to 
understand it as a clear, unmistakable teaching of God's 
Word, that the saints on earth, and those in heaven, but 
one communion make. 

Let us here recall a few of his thoughts upon this sub- 
ject, which may have been wrought out within these very 
walls. He writes, in one of the old Guardians, "The 
apostle says of those who come into the communion of 
the Church on earth, that they also, at the same time, 
come unto the heavenly Jerusalem, and an innumerable 
company of angels, and to the general assembly of the 
Church of the First-Born which are written in heaven, 
and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just 
men made perfect, and to Jesus, the Mediator of the New 
Covenant." Continuing, Dr. Harbaugh argues, ''The 
communion of saints in the Church of Christ, with those 
who are departed, is demonstrated by their communion 
with the saints alive; for, if I have communion with a 
saint of God as such, while he lives here, I must still have 
communion with him when he is departed hence ; because 
the foundation of that communion cannot be removed by 
death. The mystical union between Christ and His 
Church, the spiritual conjunction of the members to the 
Head, is the true foundation of that communion which 
one member has with another, all the members living and 
increasing by the same influence which they receive from 
Him. But death, which is nothing else than the separa- 
tion of the soul from the body, makes no separation In 
the mystical union, no breach of the spiritual conjunction ; 
and, consequently, there must continue the same com- 
munion, because there remains the same foundation,^' 



The Fortieth Anniversary. 211 

Truths like this, as our Christian inheritance, we should 
give a prominent place in the interesting exercises upon 
which we have just entered. Under the impulse of them, 
we need not feel any depression or restriction upon the 
joy and hopefulness which should characterize the occa- 
sion, as might be the case under other circumstances. 

In taking a retrospective glance at the history of this 
congregation it is only natural for us to think of the many 
who have figured in that history, but whose familiar faces 
are no longer among us, and whose voices do not mingle 
with ours in the festive exercises of the hour. They are 
not lost to us; they are not even separated from us, m 
reality; but are still vital parts of our company, taking a 
genuine, hearty interest in everything that may engage 
our attention during the progress of this anniversary. 
The exact mode of their doing this, from the position of 
their triumphant state, is left as a mystery for our faith, 
rather than revealed as a thing for our knowledge; but 
the reality itself is indicated to us without any ambiguity 
at all, and should become a decidedly animating force fnr 
us. The assurance that all these who have gone out from 
among us have not passed into a realm unknown, but 
form an exalted company in closest touch with us, should 
bring to us, not only sweet tranquility and serenity of 
spirit, but also infuse into us a sublime determination and 
courage in well-doing. 

Reflections of this nature could surely not be termed 
inappropriate to the inauguration of a series of services 
commemorative of the anniversary of a Christian Church 
or congregation. They cannot but produce the effect of 
raising us above that plain of relativity and mathematical 
compass upon which institutions of a finite origin rest, 
into the region of spirituality and infinitude which are 
the essential ground of the Christian Church. Following 
the trend of these reflections, we should be restrained front 



212 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

any such thing as calculating the present numerical 
strength, or the net gain, of a Christian congregation by 
subtracting from the whole number of persons that have 
been received into its fold, those who have passed away 
by death. The nearest that we should ever approach to 
such reckoning as that would be, to distinguish between 
the number of them that remain upon the earth, and those 
of them who stand upon the other side of the flood. 

Similarly with the progress which the congregation has 
made upon other lines. It will, of course, serve an appro- 
priate, gratifying purpose for us to be reminded during 
this period of rejoicing, of how much money the congre- 
gation has expended to perpetuate its existence upon the 
material side ; what buildings it has erected and re-erected 
for the accommodation of its needs, and whatever else of 
this kind there is to be spoken of; the celebration would 
hardly seem complete without these factors entering into 
it. But it would be unfortunate if we should stop with 
these things as answering sufficiently to that for which 
the life of the congregation has stood. Back of all that, 
as a necessary framework, this congregation — as is the 
case with every other Christian fold — has been pursuing a 
course of progress which cannot be written with pen and 
ink. You have been taking your share in holding up the 
person of the Immaculate Christ, as a mirror in which 
alone men can see the true image of their immortal souls 
reflected. You have been engaged in casting forth the 
light of His blessed truth by which wanderers in the 
darkness of sin may find their way back to home and 
spiritual safety. You have been occupied with exempli- 
fying those principles of love and purity whereby the 
fadeless beauty of human character is achieved; reaching 
out the ministering hand of Christlike charity by which 
the icy chill which penetrates the heart of poor humanity 
is changed into the glow of a cheerful warmth; and all 



The Fortieth Anniversary. 213 

these are offices the full fruit of which cannot be gathered 
together and measured by our ordinary rules. It would 
be impossible to set forth in terms of arithmetic how 
much your congregational life in this community, dur- 
ing the last forty years, has contributed to the production 
of that glorious fruit; but, for the reason that your ac- 
tivity has been within the sphere of Christ^s Kingdom, it 
would be a great injustice to yourselves for you to be 
unmindful of that unseen, spiritual side of your history. 
Whatever benefit, either in the way of self-congratulation, 
or admonition, you may derive from any material progress 
which you have made throughout these years, it is your 
privilege to take encouragement from the truth, that in so 
far as you have been conscientiously faithful to the charge 
committed to you by your Master, you have exerted an 
influence for good here which the standards of earth aio 
totally inadequate to represent. Be careful, then, to give 
this fact its due place in your present reminiscences. 
Take real delight in what results you have attained which 
can be counted by a phenomenal, material score; but let 
be for your still greater pleasure and encouragement, that 
much of the issue of what you have labored to accomplish 
is only recorded upon the tablets not made with hands, 
and will be sure to be revealed when all things earthly 
shall have passed away like a morning mist. 

But, by common custom, occasions of the kind which 
we are now observing are not only retrospective but pros- 
pective in the views which they take, and, probably, it I^ 
only fitting for us to conform to the custom. You, as a 
people, have arrived at an enviable point. You have 
achieved an end the desirableness of which cannot be ques- 
tioned for a moment. You have labored long and anx- 
iously to remove a burden resting upon you, and to be- 
come free from its agitating power. You have finally 
succeeded, and it is quite reasonable that you should mark 



214 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

this epoch with songs of joy and gladness. It can only 
be exceedingly gratifying to you that, with this fortieth 
anniversary of your existence as a Church, you should 
be able to rejoice in the coincidence of your entering the 
promised land of your release from all obligation upon 
your beautiful and valuable church property. But what 
now for the future? Does the fact just mentioned signify 
that you may now relax your spiritual energies, and sit 
down in the enjoyment of a well-earned ease? It would 
be unfortunate if that feeling should be allowed to pre- 
vail among you to any extent. Even upon the lowest 
plane of consideration, labor is not a curse; neither is it 
to be looked upon as a sheer duty imposed upon us by 
our Maker; it is in the strictest sense a necessity of our 
nature. Occupation is indispensable to the keeping of our 
physical powers in their proper healthfulness. The anti- 
dote of lonesomeness or ennui is work. It is one of the 
best cures for trouble or grief. Everyone's experience 
will tell him that he is best when busiest, and that his idle 
hours are dangerous ones to present happiness and future 
peace, so that, instead of ever regarding toil and exertion 
as something of Vv^hich it is desirable to rid ourselves, we 
must esteem them as always working a beneficent end for 
us. A like truth holds in the domain of things spiritual. 
When Vv^e are brought into the Kingdom of Christ, that 
does not mean our introduction to a state of quiescent 
inactivity. It belongs to the very genius of our character 
as followers after Him, that we cannot take the earth as 
a resting-place for us, for He never rested here, and it 
ought to have great weight with us to have from Elis own 
lips, that even for Him this was a necessary condition. 

It will be well if you have His mind in you now upon 
that point. Year after year, no doubt, you have looked 
on to the position in which you stand at present, with no 
slight thought of the relief which it would bring you. 



The Fortieth Anniversary. 215 

Nothing should be allowed to curtail your enjoyment of 
that relief, only so that you do not let it reach the pitch of 
complete relaxation. The earnest efforts by which yoa 
have arrived at your present advanced state should not 
fail to have the effect of making you all the better pre- 
pared to engage in work of other kinds which will con- 
tribute to the glory of your most worthy Lord. There- 
fore, amidst the expressions of your thanksgiving at this 
time, should be found the vows of your renewed conse- 
cration to the interests of your Master's Kingdom in the 
earth. Having done so well thus far, let no flattering sug- 
gestions of present temporal ease dull the lustre of your 
acquired energy; but press right on in the front of those 
whose joy is to lay their precious tributes at the feet of the 
blessed Christ, until there is nothing more for you to do 
than to receive from His gracious hand the crown of 
everlasting life and felicity. 

In closing these remarks, let me say that it is with feel- 
ings of peculiar satisfaction that I come to bear my con- 
gratulations, and those of the charge Vv^hich I serve, to 
you as a people upon your arrival at this juncture. No 
one has more pleasure in your fortunate circumstances at 
this moment than I. I count myself happy in having been 
associated with you for six years and a half of the forty 
that you have been in existence as a congregation; I re- 
joice with all my heart in your present marked state of 
prosperity, and trust that God will let His richest bene- 
diction rest upon you for evermore. 

WEDNESDAY EVENING, APRIL 18. 

SERMON ON THE LIFE AND WORK OF REV. HENRY HAR- 
BAUGH, D.D._, BY REV. J. E. HIESTER^ D.D.^ ANNVILLE, PA. 

Heb. 13 : 7 — Remember them zvhich have the rule over 



2i6 History of St. Johns Reformed Church. 

you, zvho have spoken unto you the Word of God: Whose 
faith folloiv, considering the end of their conversation. 

My Christian friends in the Lord : You are celebrating 
this week the fortieth anniversary of your existence as a 
Reformed congregation. Forty years ago the St. John's 
congregation was organized. You tendered Dr. Henry 
Harbaugh a cah, which he accepted, and thus became 
your first pastor. During these forty years the congre- 
gation has had five pastors, of which number two have 
passed from the Church MiUtant to the Church Trium.- 
phant. Be their memory ever sacred to us. I have been 
appointed and requested to speak, on the second evening 
of this anniversary, on Rev. Dr. Henry Harbaugh. I 
had been frequently associated with him during his pas- 
torate of St. John^s Church. Often when I came to Leb- 
anon on business, usually, after having transacted my 
business, I called on Dr. Harbaugh in his library, and 
found him invariably busy. He always received me kindly 
and took an interest in me and my work. After some 
preliminary remarks, he would say m Pennsylvania-Ger- 
man, ''Now wolle m'r mol Theologie schwatze,^^ that is, 
"Now we will talk Theology.'^ We were both, what is 
called book-worms, and whenever we met we would dis- 
cuss the contents and merits of the new books we had 
bought and read. Of course, I was the one that was the 
most benefited by our discussions, because he was an older 
man than I, had more experience than I, and I am free 
to confess that his mind was superior to mine. I trust, 
however, that he was also benefited by me, for I was bet- 
ter versed in German theology than he, having made it a 
special study. I used to give him the views of German 
authors on certain points in theology. 

It was fortunate that this young congregation succeeded 
in securing the services of such an able man as Dr. Har- 



The Fortieth Anniversary. 2iy 

baugh was, to start it in its church Hfe in the right direc- 
tion, and to lay a soHd foundation for its future spiritual 
growth and prosperity. It is said that the nurture and 
treatment which a child receives the first few years arc 
of great importance for the future development of the 
child's mind and the formation of the child's character. 
We have no doubt that there is much in the nurture, treat- 
ment and government of a young congregation, but most 
of all in the kind of spiritual food with which it is fed. 

Dr. Harbaugh was no ordinary man; he was a leader 
in the Reformed Church, and he made his influence felt 
not only in the Church, but also beyond her borders. He 
was a representative man in more than one respect, and a 
man of more than common ability. He was what is often 
called a self-made man. In the strictest sense of the 
term, are not all great men self-made? For all the schools 
and teachers in the world cannot make a man great with- 
out his own exertion. Someone asked a man of extraor- 
dinary mental ability to define ''genius.^^ The reply was, 
that genius was composed of lo per cent, talent and 90 
per cent, labor. Dr. Harbaugh^s opportunities and ad- 
vantages in his younger years were very limited. On 
several occasions I heard him express his sorrow that h j 
had not the advantage of a full literary and theological 
course of study in the institutions of our Church. But 
what he lacked in this respect, he made up by his natural 
talents, by hard study and energetic activity. "He was 
born October 28, 18 17, at the foot of the South Moun- 
tain, near Waynesboro, Pa. He was of Swiss descent. 
He was reared in a Pennsylvania-German family, consist- 
ing of twelve children, of whom he was the tenth. He 
was moulded by the customs, manners and habits pre- 
vailing in the social life of our German population. In 
1840 he entered Marshall College, at Mercersburg, and 
after spending three years in the institutions there, he 
entered the holy ministry." 



2i8 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

''He was a typical Pennsylvania-German, embodying 
in himself the better and nobler characteristics of the 
Pennsylvania-Germans/^ The Pennsylvania-German char- 
acter is one of the noblest characters in the world, when 
it receives education and culture; but sometimes it re- 
quires considerable rubbing and polishing until it shines. 
I have never been ashamed that I am a Pennsylvania- 
German, but on the contrary I am proud of it. I like the 
German Gemiithlichkeit, their industry, their thrift, and 
above all, their honesty. 

It is very probable that the older members of the con- 
gregation knew Dr. Harbaugh better than I did, and 
therefore will please pardon me when I take them over 
ground with which they were familiar years ago. It will 
do them good to be reminded of their first pastor, and of 
his ministry in their midst. The younger members may 
know very little of the first pastor of this congregation, 
and who the man was that originally moulded it, and 
whose influence is felt to this day. 

My object this evening is not to give you the life of 
Dr. Harbaugh, nor is it to deliver a eulogy, but to give 
you something between the two. We purpose to touch 
upon his activity and work as a preacher, as a pastor, as 
an author, and as a Christian. 

He was not, what in modern times we would call a 
great orator, and yet in his own way he was eloquent. 
He was what might be called a popular speaker, in the 
best acceptation of the term, that is, he used very simple 
language, mostly Anglo-Saxon words, and adapted him- 
self to the average capacity of his audiences. The sub- 
stance of his sermons was rich in the Gospel-truths, 
Christological, Christo-centric and churchly. He knew 
how to present and to apply the truth, so as to impress it 
upon the hearts of his hearers, and to bring it home to 
their consciences. The first sermon I ever heard him 



The Fortieth Anniversary. 2ig 

preach was at the opening of the annual meeting of Leb- 
anon Classis, at Annville. He preached on Exodus 3 : 2- 
4. The substance, in a few words, is the bush on fire and 
yet not consumed. The sermon was full of fresh and 
original thought. The bush burning and yet not con- 
sumed, he said, represented the Christian Church as in- 
destructible, and the reason why the fiery trials did not 
destroy her, was because God was in her. The sermon 
made a deep impression. After I had become the pastor 
of that charge, I heard people talk about that sermon, 
long after its deliyery. At another time and in another 
place, I heard him preach on Mark 4 : 26-29, on the 
parable of the seed growing secretly. He treated this 
text in quite an original and in a striking way. In the 
first part he spoke of the co-operation of three powers to 
produce fruit: (i) the power in the seed; (2) the power 
in the soil; (3) the power from above. In the second part 
he spoke of the difi'erent stages of the Christian life : ( i ) 
The seed stage; (2) the blade stage; (3) the growing 
stage; (4) the fruit stage, or the stage of maturity. This 
sermon was very instructive to me. It was a forcible and 
impressive presentation of the truth of the Gospel. Al- 
though it is not far from fifty years since I heard these 
sermons, they are still fresh in my memory, almost as 
fresh as though I heard them yesterday. I heard hun- 
dreds of other sermons delivered by other ministers be- 
fore and since that time, most of which are so entirely 
forgotten as though I had never hear them. I often asked 
myself the question. Wherein did the povv^er of Dr. Har- 
baugh's sermons consist to produce deep and lasting im- 
pressions? His deep, manly bass voice, his earnest ap- 
pearance on the pulpit and his manner of delivery may 
have contributed somewhat to produce the effect. I am, 
however, convinced that their power did not chiefly con- 
sist in these. In what then? I believe that it consisted 



220 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

in his strong conviction of the truth he was proclaiming, 
in the warmth of the heart and in the earnestness of the 
soul with which he was delivering the Master's message, 
in the original plan of his sermons, in his deep insight 
into the meaning of the text, and above all, in his strong- 
personality and in his Christian character which backed 
up what he said. 

Once I heard him preach a sermon on the independent 
spirit which prevailed in some parts of Eastern Pennsyl- 
vania, and especially in Berks County. He preached this 
sermon by appointment of the Lebanon Classis, in the 
presence of the Classis, to a Pennsylvania-German con- 
gregation. It was a strange mixture of pure German, 
Pennsylvania-German and English; but, notwithstanding 
this mixture of languages, it was interesting and instruc- 
tive, and he held the attention of the audience from the 
beginning to the end. The Lebanon Classis then and 
there appointed him to write a pamphlet on the subject 
in the German language. Not feeling himself competent 
to write it in the German language, he wrote it in English. 
After he had finished it, he came one day to Annville with 
the request that I should translate it for him into the 
German language. I hesitated to undertake it and sug- 
gested other men to him, but he objected to them all and 
insisted that I must do it, and gave as a reason that I was 
a genuine Pennsylvania-German, and that I knew how to 
adapt the language to the comprehension of the Pennsyl- 
vania-German mind. At last I consented to try it. We 
met from time to time to read the translation and thr 
proof. Finally the work was ready for distribution. 

On the floor of Classis or Synod he was a ready de- 
bater or speaker on the various theological and practical 
subjects which claimed the attention of these ecclesiastical 
bodies. Whenever he rose, all eyes were turned toward 
him, and he held the undivided attention of the Classis or 



The Fortieth Anniversary. 221 

Synod. He seldom rose to speak in these public meetings, 
unless he had something to say which had not already 
been said in the discussion ; and as a rule, he brought new 
light to bear on the subject under discussion. He never 
rose to hear himself speak. "On difficult questions his 
views and advice were often sought." 

Dr. Harbaugh was not only an efficient preacher, but 
also a faithful pastor. He held that religion was a per- 
.sonal concern. He did not believe that men are saved in 
masses, by congregations or by parties; but he held the 
view that the pastor must make earnest efforts to save 
individuals. There is no doubt that his views were cor- 
rect in reference to this point. I am of the opinion that 
more ought to be done in this direction than has been 
done hitherto. When we say that more earnest efforts 
should be made for the salvation of individual men and 
women, we do not mean to undervalue the Christian 
Church with her means of grace as an institution of salva- 
tion. We believe that her teachings, her services, her 
life, her activity and her influence are of great importance 
and help to individual members; but we also believe 
that, in special cases, special efforts are necessary to save 
individuals. To illustrate this point we will quote the 
substance of an incident recorded in the introduction by 
Dr. N. C. Schaeffer to the ''Life of Dr. Harbaugh" by 
his son. Dr. Harbaugh had in his flock an old member, 
who had been a habitual drunkard for twenty years, and 
who in his sober moments always repented of his folly. 
When Dr. Harbaugh became his pastor, he determined 
to save this poor, weak man. He talked to him about his 
sin and prayed with him. The prayer softened the old 
man's heart, and he repented. The pastor warned him 
against the danger of a relapse, entreated him to shun all 
drinking-places, to attend church and prayer-meeting; 
urged him to have family worship. The old man obeyed. 



222 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

One night he was absent from the prayer-meeting. The 
pastor proceeded at once to the old man's house, and 
asked his wife where her iiusband was. She said that she 
did not know. Though the window of a travern, he saw 
the old man at the bar, with his carousing companions. 
He hesitated at first, but there was a soul to be saved, 
and he went in, stepped up to him, and said, "Peter, you 
were not at prayer-meeting this evening ; come, I will go 
home with you." How sorely the old man repented of 
his folly. Thus his pastor watched and nursed him till 
the end of his labors among that people. This is what we 
mean by personal efforts to save individual men from sin 
and folly. This is true pastoral care, to go after the lost 
sheep till it shall be found. Dr. Harbaugh took a decided 
stand against the sin of intemperance; a stand so decided 
that some of us might perhaps be inclined to regard him 
as a radical on the temperance question ; but the question 
with me is, whether we can take a too decided stand 
against the leading evil in the world, especially in view of 
the fact that no other evil ruins so many men, and women, 
too, in body and soul, for time and eternity. This 
gigantic evil is so intrenched and fortified that it cannot 
be stamped out by the enactment of laws against it and 
the infliction of penalties. It is more than a sin and a 
crime ; it is also a disease, both a physical and a moral dis- 
ease, for which other remedies, remedies different from 
laws and punishments, are needed. The Christian 
Church has the adequate remedies in her hands, if she 
would only apply them. True Christianity is the best 
antidote against intemperance. Dr. Harbaugh at one time 
refused to ordain and install a member as an elder whom 
the congregation had elected to that office, on the ground 
that he was a saloon-keeper; the result was, that he gave 
up his saloon and entered into another business. Society, 
and especially ministers and members of the Christian 
Church, must take a stand against this great evil, 



The Fortieth Anniversary. 223 

Dr. Harbaugh was a profound thinker and a prolific 
writer on a variety of subjects. He was not a man of 
one idea, like so many writers at the present day, who con- 
tinually harp upon one truth to the exclusion of all others, 
till it is threadbare, run in well-worn grooves, move aim- 
lessly about within a narrow circle with a lost centre, and 
never pass beyond the circumference. Dr. Harbaugh's 
system of thought and theology had a centre, and this 
centre was Christ, and from this centre he proceeded to 
investigate truths and facts, and never rested satisfied 
till he saw in what relation they stood to Christ. No 
system of theology is a correct one, in which Christ is not 
the centre. Put any other truth or fact in the centre, and 
all other truths and facts will stand in the wrong place, 
and in a false relation to Christ, and to one another. 
Suppose that it was possible to put the moon or any other 
planet in the place of the sun, and the sun somewhere else 
in space, what a confusion and disorder this transposition 
of planets would produce throughout the entire planetary 
system. So in the spiritual world ; no truth, no doctrine 
and no fact stands in its right place, when Christ is not 
the centre of truth. He says of Himself, "I am the truth." 

Dr. Harbaugh was not only a profound thinker, but 
he was also a great reader, and mentally digested whst 
he read. He went on the principle that to get work out 
of the mind, you must feed it. All life must be fed. 
Even the very soil which produces our bread must be fed. 
If this is neglected, it becomes barren and unproductive. 
Many people starve their minds by not feeding it, or by 
feeding it with such food in which there is no nutriment. 
Dr. Harbaugh and I staid once at one and the same place 
all night. During the day he had got hold of a new 
book which interested him very much. There was no rest 
for him that night till he had finished reading that book, 
which took him the greater part of the night. 



224 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

Though dead over thirty-two years, he yet speaketh by 
his hfe and through his writings. It is not my purpose 
to dwell at length on the works which he wrote, but per- 
mit me only a few remarks thereon. He wrote a little 
pamphlet on "The Duty of Connecting With the Church.'' 
I never saw anything better on this subject. He com- 
piled the "Hymns and Chants'^ for the Sunday-schools of 
the Church. This collection shows that he had the true 
idea of worship. Objective hymns are combined with 
the subjective in the selection. On the whole, it is the 
best hymn book which the Church ever had, not weanuig 
away the young from the public worship of the sanctuary., 
as do so many of the modern Sunday-school hymn books. 

His works on Heaven and the Future Life^ are very 
interesting reading and furnish much food for thouglit 
and meditation. We have no doubt, that if he could speak 
to us this evening from the world of glory, he would say 
in language similar to that of the Queen of Sheba who 
had come to see and hear the wisdom of Solomon, "Be- 
hold ! the half'^ of the happiness and glory in heaven "has 
never been told" us. There is a story told of Thomas 
Aquinas, the most famous preacher and writer of his 
time, who was engaged in writing a book, entitled, "The 
Summa Theologia." He left his work when nearly com- 
pleted one day to engage in religious worship. While 
thus engaged, a vision of the glory of the heavenly world 
overwhelmed him. After this he could not be induced to 
finish the book. When urged to complete it, his reply 
was, "I cannot put my hand to the work again, for every- 
thing that I have written seems utterly worthless com- 
pared with the riches of glory that have been revealed to 
me." When St. Paul was caught up into heaven, he heard 
unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to 
utter. When St. John gazed through the open door of 
heaven, he only tells us about the foundation and the walls 



The Fortieth Annwersary. 225 

of that heavenly home, as made of precious jewels, its 
gates of pearl, and its streets of gold; but he found no 
words to describe the glory and bliss reigning there. I 
am certain of one thing, and that is, that everlasting salva- 
tion is worth far more than all the efforts, the sufferings, 
self-denials, toils and sacrifices it costs to attain it. We 
pass by his other works, such as "The Fathers of the 
Reformed Church" and "The Harfe" in Pennsylvania- 
German, etc., with the remark that his writings show how 
active he was, and how much he accomplished, in addition 
to his pastoral work, in the short time of twenty-four 
years. 

Dr. Harbaugh was a man of great force of character, 
and carried out his Christian principles in his life, tie 
acted from a sense of duty, and whatever he did, he did 
it conscientiously. You may say that he had his faults 
and weaknesses — so have I — so have you — so have all 
men, even the very best. He may have erred sometimes, 
and may have been wrong, but not willfully. He did not 
claim for himself infallibility or perfect saintship, but 
claimed to be on the way of being sanctified more and 
more. Sometimes the faults and weaknesses are more 
glaring in the character of great and good men, by con- 
trast with their goodness. When the sun shines against 
a dark cloud, it appears all the darker, darker than it 
really is, owing to the brightness of the light. Whatever 
his shortcomings and imperfections may have been, one 
thing cannot be denied, and this is, that he was thoroughly 
devoted to his Lord and Master, and that his talents, 
powers and influence were dedicated to His cause and His 
Kingdom. He had many friends. He also had enemies, 
as is always the case, when a man has a positive character 
and takes a firm stand for truth and righteousness. It is 
your negative characters, your easy-going men and wo- 
men, who have no enemies. The reason why they have no 



226 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

enemies is because they do not take a stand for that which 
is right, true and good. 

Dr. Harbaugh's Christian career was cut short at the 
age of fifty years, after he had been in the holy ministry 
twenty-four years, at a time when the Church appeared 
to need his services most and when a larger sphere of use- 
fulness had opened up for him in the Theological Sem- 
inary of our Church. 

Such was your first pastor. Revere his memory. May 
the memory of him, of his example, of his word and works 
be revived on this fortieth anniversary, remembering that 
the Church has had but one Dr. Harbaugh. Perhaps 
there are yet stored up in your memory sermons preached 
by him, as in my own ; practice what you have been taught 
by him. Imitate his active example. It is a great blessing 
to have a faithful pastor, and to have had faithful pastors. 
Stand by your present pastor, holding up his hands as 
Aaron and Hur did hold up the hands of Moses. 

"Remember them which have the rule over you, who 
have spoken the word of God: whose faith follow, con- 
sidering the end of their conversation.^^ 

May the Lord bless and prosper this congregation, col- 
lectively and individually. Amen. 

THURSDAY EVENING, APRIL 19. 

SERMON ON THE LIFE AND WORK OF REV. T. S. JOHNSTON, 
D.D., BY REV. S. G. WAGNER, D.D., ALLENTOWN, PA. 

Heb. 13:7 — Remember them that had the rule over 
you, zvhich spake unto you the Word of God, and con- 
sidering the issue of their life, imitate their faith. Jesus 
Christ is the same, yesterday and today, yea and forever. 

I need not say, my Christian friends, that it affords me 
great pleasure to be with you and to join with you, for 
at least this evening, in the services of this memorable oc- 



The Fortieth Anniversary. 22y 

casion. It is altogether befitting that you should in this way 
celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the organization of 
your congregation. The number, 40, has come to be no less 
sacred than tli£ numbers, 3 or 7 or 12. To have existed, 
and enjoyed God's manifold blessings and succeeded in 
your work as a congregation, for the last four decades of 
the closing nineteeiith century, is certainly cause for heart- 
felt gratitude to the Great Head of the Church, and more- 
over affords a reason and supplies a motive for a renewal 
of your Christian vows and obligations, and for a con- 
firmation and strengthening of your faith as a Christian 
congregation, in this sanctuary and before this altar, which 
during these forty years have grown to the memory dear, 
to the heart precious and uplifting, and to the left animat- 
ing and inspiring. 

I remember right well that during the annual sessions 
of the Eastern Synod of the Reformed Church of the 
United States, in the church of the mother congregation 
of this city, in autumn of A. D. i860, your church was 
dedicated to the service of the Triune God. It was the 
privilege of the speaker to be with you as a humble and 
grateful worshiper on that happy occasion. My interest 
may be said to have been a peculiar one. You came out 
from a congregation which my own father had served for 
sixteen years, and hence the occasion added another link 
to memory's golden chain, which had been forging dur- 
ing these years; and at a period, too, of human life and 
experience when the memory is strong beyond all the 
other faculties of the mind, the period of childhood and 
developing youth. I sat in this church then, and knelt 
before this altar, thanking God that His work, for the 
accomplishment of which He had given tlie commission 
not to angels but to men, had not stood still, that He had 
not forgotten His promise, that He had been with His 
people, and that He had blessed them. 



228 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

What I regard as a singularly commendable feature in 
the program formulated for this service, is that you have 
not forgotten the fathers who ministered to you in the 
past, who were over you in the Lord, and who though 
not now present with you in the flesh, are here in spirit. 
Doubtless their spirits are with ours today in sweet com- 
munion blended; doubtless their prayers have with ours 
to the throne of God ascended. We all believe in the 
communion of saints : how that in spirit we are joined to 
one common God and Father, of the same Lord redeemed, 
and for the same heaven prepared. 

Dr. H. Harbaugh and Dr. T. S. Johnston were your 
earliest pastors. They are now reckoned among those 
whom the world calls dead; and yet they are today more 
truly alive than you or L But they are withdrawn from 
sight — you can nO' longer hear them, your hands can no 
longer handle them, in the way of a feeling and a loving 
grasp. Those others who have been your pastors, even 
though they be still dear to you and you hold them \\\ 
pleasant memory, they are still in the flesh. To the 
sainted Harbaugh, another has paid the deserved tribute; 
tO' Dr. Johnston, by request of your pastor, I am to pay 
the tribute as best I can, with the help of God. To me 
the task is a pleasing one. I hesitate not one moment, 
on the ground of a possible impropriety, for have I not 
the authority of one no less great and distinguished than 
the Apostle Paul, in the text, "Remember them that had 
the rule over you"? That is, remember them not only 
quietly, by hiding them away in some quiet niche of your 
memory, beyond the scope of speech or mention ; but hold 
them ever before you, write about them, talk about them, 
to your children and to others, so that future generations 
may come to know of them and of the good they may 
have done in their holy calling, in speaking unto the 
people the Word of God, so that their words and deeds 



The Fortieth Anniversary. 229 

and their beautiful example may continue to live, and that 
it may be said of each one of them, "Though dead, he yet 
speaketh." 

Truly, our common Christianity teaches us to talk pleas- 
antly of the pious, earnest Christian ministers, as of those 
who no longer suffer and are tried. They have laid aside 
the shepherd's staff; with them the fear and the longing, 
the doubt, the hope, the terror, and the pain are passed. 
The fruition of life has to them begun. How unkind then, 
how selfish, how unnatural would it be to cease from the 
utterance of their names, to bury forever the memory of 
their deeds, and to forget forever the power and influence 
of their lives. Why should we not speak of them at all, or 
why should we speak of them with awe, and remember 
them only with sighing? Very dear were they when as 
pastors they went in and out before their people, when 
hand clasped hand, and heart responded to heart ; why are 
they less dear, because that now in God's beautiful Para- 
dise they are growing perfect in loveliness and in loving- 
kindness? By the hearthside then, in the sacred sanc- 
tuary, by the graveside in the near city of the dead, in 
solitude, in the family circle, and amid the multitude, let 
us not falter when we mention their names ; or when their 
forms as photographed on the memory rise before us, let 
us speak cheerfully and lovingly and inspiringly of the 
translated man of God. 

Dr. Johnston I can remember since I was a child, or at 
least a growing youth. When in 1847 he was placed in 
charge of the Methodist Episcopal congregation of this 
city, there was a something about him, a personal mag- 
netism which was especially attractive to the young; he 
was the friend of children, he drew the young toward 
himself in a marked manner; I well recollect that was tlu- 
judgment of the community in regard to him then. His 
open, smiling face, his warm, sympathizing heart, his kind. 



230 History of St. Johi/s Reformed Church. 

gentle spirit, his infectious bonhomie, made him an emi- 
nently prepossessing man, and was in a large measure the 
secret of his success as a Christian minister. Residing 
only a square from my home, I frequently met him, saw 
much of him, and somehow or other I thought him a 
different kind of being from the average preacher — he 
commanded my highest respect, and yet he never over- 
awed me; I felt perfectly comfortable in his presence — I 
felt that I was with a friend ; aye even a companion. I am 
free to confess that to meet or be confronted by some 
ministers of the Gospel, when I was growing into ado- 
lescence, had the same effect on me, as, to touch its feel- 
ers, however slightly, has upon the snail, viz., it scared me, 
and drove me right into my shell ; I was simply non-come- 
at-able. Dr. Johnston never impressed me thus — even 
though I might feel inclined to remain in my shell, he in- 
variably drew me out of it by his almost inimitable mode 
of address, ''Well, Sam, how are you ?" I loved the man. 
He was then a young man, in the developing strength and 
vigor of manhood; lie must have been about 30 years of 
age. To remember such a fact, and the influence it exerted 
over the boy, ought to serve as a lesson to all of us who la- 
bor in the same large field of the cause of humanity. Oh ! the 
boys — theyounggirls — the young men — the young women, 
how in these days of a lack of parental discipline, can they 
be won for Christ — be turned from self and the world to 
God, and taught to love Him, to labor for Him, and to 
live in and through and by Him ! Might we not accom- 
plish more by imitating the subject of our sketch in this 
particular — by being as a boy for boys, as a young man 
for young men, and thus with the help of God, not re- 
pressing their vital energies, not breaking their spirit, 
but restraining them by guiding and directing them into 
proper forms of activity. Otherwise we may repel them. 
I can remember, too, how I was affected by his preach- 



The Fortieth Anniversary. 231 

ing. His plain, simple style, though ornate, and his im- 
passioned delivery, with a very warm, pulsating heart 
back of it, made him the popular preacher in the proper 
sense of that word, and not as it is often abused nowa- 
days. His two years of ministry in the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church of this city was regarded by the community 
as a success. He stood in good repute among the other 
ministers and other congregations of the town. At this 
point allow me to quote what another pen has written : 

"The lasting influence of his early ministry in Leba- 
non, is evidenced in the fact that St. John's Reformed 
Church, after sixteen years' absence, extended a call to 
him, which he accepted; he entered upon his labors in 
1864. In this connection he accom.plished the great work 
of his miriisterial life. The relation continued for twenty- 
one years, during- which time he was instrumental in lead- 
ing many to Christ, and also in edifying the members of 
the Church ; v/hile his active influence extended to various 
religious and benevolent interests in society at large." 

Those of you, my Christian friends, who lived then and 
earnestly co-operated with him, who met him at your 
firesides, on your streets, in your assemblies in the sanc- 
tuary, at the altar, at the sick-bed, in the house of death 
and of mourning, can best verify the statement which I 
have just read. You found him to be the genial man, the 
true friend, the warm-hearted Christian — not only the 
efficient minister of Jesus Christ in the pulpit, in the pub- 
lic ministry of his office — but also the good and faithful 
pastor, ready to sacrifice himself to the spiritual needs of 
his people. 

And doubtless he came to be all this in his mature 
years because of his early training and influences and im- 
pressions. No young man, had he not been religiously 
inclined, would have been licensed to preach the Gospel 
when he was but 19 years of age. His father was a 



232 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

Scotchman, and had graduated from the University of 
Edinburgh, but dying early, could not have influenced his 
son largely, save as the latter may have inherited from him 
and the mother the strong, well-balanced mind, the sound 
judgment and the energy of character which distin- 
guished him throughout. 

He changed his relations in the mmistry not only once 
but twice. He faithfully served in the ministry of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church for sixteen years ; in that of 
the Presbyterian Church, in West Philadelphia, eleven 
years; and in that of the Reformed Church twenty-one 
years. 

Just before he began his pastorate in connection with 
this congregation, in 1864, I met him at Reading, Pa., 
during the closing sessions of the Tercentenary Conven- 
tion in commemoration of the 300th anniversary of the 
Heidelberg Catechism, which had been inaugurated in the 
old Race Street Church of Philadelphia, in 1863, and 
finished its deliberations in the First Reformed Church of 
Reading, in 1864. In conveying to me the information 
that he was about to become Dr. Harbaugh's successor, 
he remarked that it was with a feeling of intense satis- 
faction, that he was about to make what he believed would 
be liis last change in his ecclesiastical relations; he felt 
that his soul would be fully satisfied in the Reformed 
Church, and find in it its final resting-place. We find a 
verification of this in the fact that he died in this min- 
istry, although the last two years of his active work were 
spent, not in the pastorate but rather in the missionary 
interests of the Church he loved. 

The Rev. Dr. Van Horn has written about him to the 
following effect : 

''For many years he was Treasurer of Lebanon Classis, 
a body then of unusual size, which entailed a vast amount 
of labor upon him. All this he patiently, cheerfully and 



The Fortieth Anniversary. 233 

faithfully performed to the general satisfaction of the 
members. He was also one of the Guardians of Palati- 
nate College at Myerstown, Pa., an earnest friend of 
Bethany Orphans Home, and a member of the Board of 
Control of the Common Schools of Lebanon." 

But, after all, the true, real, burning, living heart of the 
man came out when he became officially interested in the 
missionary work, and more especially the Foreign Mis- 
sionary Work of the Church. He was elected a member 
of the Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, by 
the General Synod, convened in Cincinnati, O., in A. D. 

1872. At the first meeting of the Board, convened in 
Harrisburg for the purpose of organization, on April 15, 

1873, he was elected President of the Board, the duties 
of which office he faithfully and satisfactorily fulfilled 
until August 13, 1875, a period of two years and four 
months. Meanwhile the General Synod had met again, 
and, according to its custom, had reconstituted the Board, 
and when the Board met to reorganize for three years, 
Dr. Johnston was elected Secretary,. In this office he con- 
tinued for tvv'elve years, performirig in full that propor- 
tion of the work which the duties of his pastorate of your 
congregation would allow; and after his resignation of 
the trust you had imposed upon him, in 1885, a step which 
was made necessary by his failing health, he gave his 
whole attention to the peculiar work of the Board, whic'-i 
was no light matter, carefully recording its proceedings, 
corresponding unremittingly with the missionaries in 
our field of activity in Japan, in visiting the churches at 
home, whenever and wherever he was invited, eloquently 
presenting to them the cause which lay so near to his 
heart and to which (in the language of his biographer) 
he devoted the failing energies of his active and highly 
useful life. 

Of Dr. Johnston, in this sphere, it may be said that he 



234 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

"died in the harness/^ The last meeting of the Board 
which he attended was held in Harrisburg on May 3, 
1887. It was there and then that he reached the limit of 
his consecrated, evangelical activity, for he was compelled 
to return to his home by severe illness, which culminated 
in his triumphant death, here in your midst, in your town, 
on Saturday afternoon, June 11, 1887, a little more than a 
month afterwards. As I was associated with him for a 
number of years as a member of the Foreign Board, I 
can truthfully bear witness to his faithful services in this 
sphere of his activity. 

Dr. Johnston was not only an able minister, but he was 
also a diligent student; otherwise he would scarcely have 
been honored as he was by Delaware College, Delaware, 
and by Marysville College of Tennessee, the former be- 
stowing on him the honorary degree of M.A., and the 
latter that of D.D. 

Dr. Johnston was a man in all his relations, true as 
steel. To this, his wife and children and grandchildren 
can testify; his several congregations and fellow-officials 
and many friends can bear witness. He was true and de- 
voted as a husband, loving and interested as a father, con- 
secrated as a pastor, and loyal and disinterested as a friend 
and brother. 

Your community moreover found in him an active sup- 
porter of all your needful enterprises and improvements ; 
and as a citizen of the old Keystone State there was in 
him no threat or taint of disloyalty. 

I feel proud to be his chronicler at this late day — to lay 
this tribute on his grave which, though thirteen years 
have gone by since he was gently and reverently laid In 
it, is still green, without a hint of the sere and the for- 
gotten, in the memories of his many friends, who may 
have gathered at the lonely, desolate fireside, or been 
active in the marts of the world or in the religious coun- 
cils of the Church ! 



The Fortieth Anniversary. 235 

Fail not, in conclusion, my brethren, to follow the coun- 
sel in the text, "Remember them that had the rule over 
you, that spake unto you the Word of God." Thank God 
for having sent such men to minister unto you in spiritual 
things. Remember their preaching, their praying, their 
private counsel, their example. 

"And, considering the issue of their life, imitate their 
faith, for Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday and today, 
yea and forever." 

Be steadfast in the profession of the faith they preached 
to you, and labor after the grace of faith, by which they 
lived and died so well — for, the same Master whom they 
and you serve, is Jesus Christ, who changeth not, who is 
the same, yesterday and today, yea and forever. 

SUNDAY MORNING, APRIL 22. 

SERMON ON "what THE REFORMED CHURCH STANDS FOR/'' 
BY PROF. GEO. W. RICHARDS^ LANCASTER,, PA. 

John 8 : 32 — And ye shall know the truth, and the truth 
shall make yon free. 

In these words Jesus defined the condition of true dis- 
cipleship. He spoke to the Jews about His Heavenly 
Father and His relation to Him. Many believed on Him. 
Then He said unto those who believed on Him, "If ye 
continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. 
Then, also, shall ye know the truth, and the truth shall 
make you free." Discipleship meant more than a formal 
profession of faith. He called men disciples, followers, 
who lived according to His truth or continued in His 
word. They only would finally know the truth and be- 
come free. The conditions He speaks of are universal — 
not limited by age, locality, nationality or creed. 
Whether one be a Jew or a Gentile, of the first century 
or the nineteenth, he can only be a Christian disciple by 
continuing in the word of Christ. 



236 History of St. Johns Reformed Church. 

In the words of the text we believe that the leading 
principles of the Reformed Church are taught. When 
analyzed into its parts, we find in it the distinctive charac- 
teristics, for which the Reformed Church stands. In 
referring to these points, we may not touch upon all hv^r 
-^loctrines and practices. There may be a difference of 
opinion, also, as to which principles deserve the greater 
emphasis. Yet, we shall try to show, what m our esti- 
mation is the heritage of our Church from the past, as 
well as her chief glory in the present. 

It may be well to ask whether our Church stands for 
anything for which other denominations in Christendom 
do not stand. If she does not, then she has no right to 
exist as a separate organization. She would only pei- 
petuate an unreasonable division in the Christian body. 
The sooner she would then unite with some other branch 
^f the Church Catholic, with which she is in closest ac- 
cord, the better for the Kingdom of God on earth. The 
only apology for a distinct denominational existence is 
the representation of some truth or phase of life in the 
body of Christ, which in the end will bring out the mani- 
foldness of Christian revelation. There may be accord- 
ingly many members, yet all belong to one body and are 
filled with one spirit. 

Again, the Reformed Church may stand for something- 
distinctive and yet be at peace with the other Churches of 
Christ. The latter, also, have their heritage which they 
prize dearly and which they are expected to conserve until 
the final consummation of things. We have ours, which 
we cherish just as truly in the hope that we may do our 
part in reaching the goal of Christianity, when Christ 
shall be all and in all. There are certain cardinal doc- 
trines which unite all the Protestant Churches. These 
we want to emphasize rather than the differences which 
divide them. Yet each branch has its own personality, 



The Fortieth Anniversary. 22,y 

genius and life, which no one can overlook. These dis- 
tinctions are a part of God's plan for the perfection of the 
race. There are still broader principles which unite Prot- 
estantism with Greek and Roman Catholicism. The 
Church universal includes all the followers of the Christ. 

Believing, therefore, in tne common Fatherhood of 
God and the brotherhood of man in Christ, we are ready 
always to extend the hand of fellowship to the difi'erent 
branches of the Church universal. Yet, with this spirit 
of toleration and mutual recognition, we do not value less 
highly our own peculiar heritage, which has been ours 
for centuries. It is sanctified by the prayers of saints and 
the blood of martyrs, who have preceded us. Men have 
died for it, and it is our great privilege to live for it. 

The first prominent truth in the text is, that Jesus is the 
source of truth through His word. 'Tf ye contmue in my 
word ye oiiall know the trutli.^^ The Reformed Church 
from its beginning, in the sixteenth century, made Jesus 
and His word the centre of life and the standard of doc- 
trine. In the last generation, the idea was expressed by 
Nevin, Schaff and Harbaugii in the word, "Christocen- 
tric." This may be a commonplace now. All denomina- 
tions profess to make Christ central in their life and teach- 
ing. Yet it is generally conceded that the true signifi- 
cance of Christ in American theology was shown by the 
theologians of our Church. This is by no means a new 
theory of religion. It is as old as the Apostles. It was 
reaffirmed in the great Synod of Berne, in 1532, where it 
was stated that "Christ is the centre of Christian teacli- 
ings. God, Himself, can only be known as He has re- 
vealed Himself in Jesus Christ." 

This was the utterance of the followers of UlricZwingli, 
a year after his martyrdom on the field of Cappel. Its 
full significance may not have been felt then, but it con- 
tained, as in a seed, the future position of the Reformed 
Church in Protestantism. 



238 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

In 1563 the symbol of faith of the German Reformed 
Church of the Palatinate was published. This is now 
known as the Heidelberg Catechism. In it, likewise, 
Christ is central, and every part of the Catechism receives 
its light and life from Him. When the Churches of the 
United States had forgotten the principles of the Refor- 
mation and were in danger of wildfire religion, the fathers 
of the Reformed Church reasserted the principles of Prot- 
estantism and gave Jesus His proper place in Christianity. 
Since the days of Harbaugh we have stood more firmly 
than ever upon the doctrines of the Synod of Berne and 
the cardinal teachings of the Heidelberg Catechism. 
Never in the history of the Church did this idea need 
more emphasis than now. It is not merely a theological 
principle, but a practical precept. The question is still 
agitating the Christian Churches, Where shall we find 
truth, and how shall it be interpreted? In the sixteenth 
century, the traditions of the Church and the priesthood 
took the place of the living Christ. There was a parti- 
tion, made by men, between Jesus and His disciples. The 
Reformers went back to Christ and found that assurance 
and peace which the Church could not give. 

There has grown up, since then, a Protestant tradition. 
Doctrines and confessions may supplant the Bible and 
the living Lord. The Church may tyrannize over its 
members and rob them of the freedom with which Christ 
made them free. In one of our sister denominations we 
see some of her most devoted and scholarly men driven 
from her fold because they refuse to read or interpret 
Christ through her confession. This confession makes 
God condemn some men to eternal punishment for His 
own glory. Is it not necessary that we again raise the 
cry of the Reformers, ''Back to Christ"? Men are sub- 
stituting John Calvin's interpretation of St. Paul, for the 
revelation of Jesus, whose conception of Fatherhood does 



The Fortieth Anniversary. 239 

not admit of such a stern and cruel God. The best Chris- 
tian feeling of our age revolts from it and, do what we 
please, men will no longer believe in a God whose glory 
is advanced by damnation. Christ only, when truly un- 
derstood, can correct our creeds. Our faith must be puri- 
fied continually by His Spirit working in our lives. As 
the Church appreciates the fullness of His Revelation, 
the errors of human systems will disappear. The future 
has in store for us a truer creed, a deeper and broader life, 
corresponding the life of Jesus Hnnself. Then the divi- 
sions in the Church will pass away, and unity with the 
necessary diversity will be attained. The poet's dream of 
a common humanity, bound with golden chains at the feec 
of God, will be realized. 

The position and authority of Jesus are threatened at 
this time, also, by scientific research and philosophic spec- 
ulation. The doctrine of our Church is the only safe- 
guard against possible dangers from this direction. God 
Himself can only be known as He revealed Himself 
through Jesus Christ. We cannot find God with a micro- 
scope or a telescope. You may cearch the heavens unto 
the farthest star, but you cannot find God and bring Him 
down. You may analyze the clod unto the smallest atom, 
still you cannot see God. We cannot rise through Nature 
to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus. We leave room 
for the minutest investigations of science and the pro- 
foundest speculations of philosophy. They reveal the 
genius and the godlikeness of man. The systems, that 
have been reared upon the data of science from Plato to 
Spenser, are a magnificent testimony to the dignity of 
human nature. Yet Plato and Spencer have not found 
the Father. They, too, must come in childlike faith to 
the feet of Jesus and receive from Him what they failed 
to attain with all their wisdom and power. Then is every 
man truly man ; then is he partaking of heavenly wisdom, 
when he cries in the spirit of a son, "Abba, Father." 



240 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

We would not for a moment disparage the achievements 
of learning. We would rather advance the course of 
science in every direction. That has been the spirit of 
our Church in every century. Yet human learning is only 
valuable as it is brought into subjection to the revelation 
of Jesus, which alone can make us wise unto salvation. 

In the text we are told that we shall know the truth by 
continuing in the Word of Christ. In other words, the 
individual, as well as the Church, can only gradually 
appreciate the truth. This is another principle which our 
Church stands for: the idea of historical development. 
The disciple of Christ is not instructed magically. He 
does not receive truth contrary to tne laws of the mind. The 
Kingdom of God is not realized in men in a moment. It 
is gradually established in the onward movement of his- 
tory. The leaven is the s3anbol of the inner progress of 
Christianity in the life of men. Gradually a little leaven 
permeates the whole lump. Gradually the life of Jesus is 
changing the life of the world. 

There is an advance in knowledge and in piety from 
generation to generation. The work of the past is taken 
up by the present and is improved and increased. Every 
age has its contribution towards the Kingdom. In every 
generation the Spirit of God reveals new truth. New 
light breaks forth from the sacred page. This progress 
can only cease when we have exhausted the heighth and 
the depth and breadth of Christ's love and wisdom. 

We differ, therefore, in our view of Christianity from 
those who believe that Jesus gave a finished system of 
government, doctrine and worship to His disciples. The 
work of the Church then would be to keep the tradition 
pure. The Church must, accordingly, go down the cen- 
turies like a fully-equipped steamer sails down a river. 
Men need not think for themselves nor plan for them- 
selves, but simply accept, without question, what has been 



The Fortieth Anniversary. 241 

prepared for them ages past. Does not such a theory of 
the rehgious life suppress that which is noblest in man — 
his reason, his conscience, his feelings? We believe, on 
the other hand, that Jesus gave neither a fixed govern- 
ment nor a final doctrine to His disciples. He revealed 
the great living facts of God's Fatherhood, His forgiving 
grace. His parental providence. His continual judgment. 
When the disciples were brought into living union with 
the God of Jesus, their lives were changed. Then they 
worked out a creed, liturgies, and polities as the Church 
needed them. 

We are able to see good in those ages of the Church 
whose doctrines differ from ours and whose government 
would oppose ours. We do not find Christianity in these 
external forms merely. Christianity is in the life which 
results fruiu the heart's relation to Jesus. We see Christ, 
also, in Churches of today who differ from us in their 
modes of worship and in their form of faith. For these 
will always vary according to the temperament of men. 
Yet inwardly we may all be rooted and grounded in the 
risen Lord. The life of faith, hope and love is deeper 
than the organization of the Church. It is this inner 
life that binds us together and makes the ages kith and 
kin. 

According to this view, history is not simply a series 
of errors. These must needs come. But through error the 
heart of man struggles through the darkness towards the 
light. The Christianity of the nineteenth century, with 
all its faults, will bear most favorable comparison with 
that of any other century. There is a more truly Christ- 
like Christianity in the world now than ever before. We 
have gone beyond the Reformers of the sixteenth cen- 
tury. We have not only their legacy, but we have besides 
the heritage of the fathers who have lived since then„ 
Nor have we reached the limit yet. Our hope is in the 



242 History of St. Johi/s Reformed Church. 

future, where all our prayers and aspirations will find 
their crown. 

Freedom is gained through the truth. We acquire truth 
in a rational way. Therefore, the Reformed Church has 
always stood for educational religion. Jesus, Himself, 
grew in wisdom and in grace. He, also, taught His dis- 
ciples, and they in turn advanced in the knowledge of the 
truth. 

Two extreme tendencies have appeared in the Church 
from which we differ. False stress has been laid on the 
sacraments and the ordinances. The preacher became a 
priest. The altar took the place of the pulpit. The lit- 
urgy supplanted the Bible. Christianity degenerated into 
a system of forms and ceremonies, and lost living piety. 
The Word of the Lord became precious in those days. 
The Reformed Church respects the altar, the sacrament 
and the liturgy of the Church. But these received their 
power only through the truth as it is in Jesus. They 
cannot take the place of preaching, teaching, meditation 
and practical piety. If they do, they become a delusion 
and a snare. But when they are the living symbols and 
pledges of God's abiding presence, loving grace and un- 
dying love, they invigorate the Christian life like the dew 
of the morning quickens the plants of the fields. 

The other extreme has been the neglect of education 
according to the unchurchly type of Christianity. Ac- 
cording to this theory, the Holy Spirit was supposed to 
do the work of illumination and sanctification in a miracu- 
lous way. Preachers were not educated because the Spirit 
would tell them what to say. Children were not taught 
because the Spirit would suddenly give them light. The 
Church members based their faith on an mward experi- 
ence or an outward vision, which was a sign of regenera- 
tion. The Word of Truth was neglected. Whenever it 
was used, it was rather abused in the interest of a narrow 
theory of Christianity. 



The Fortieth Anniversary. 243 

We believe men are brought to Jesus through the truth 
He spoke. We not only baptize the child, but we bring 
him up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. We 
teach the doctrines of salvation, so that an intelligent pro- 
fession of faith and a voluntary consecration to the Lord 
may be made in confirmation. The Christian life can 
only be healthy and vigorous as we continue in the Word 
of Jesus by word and deed. We walk in the Spirit when 
we live in the truth. We are guided by the Spirit when 
we follow the truth. We believe in emotional religion 
when the emotions are the fruit of living truth. We be- 
lieve in churchly forms when they are filled with the life 
of the Spirit. The life-giving power in the Church is 
the truth as it is in Christ Jesus. 

The truth shall make you free. We become free to act, 
to live, through the truth. The Reformed Church stands 
for practical religion. The Swiss Reformers insisted 
that Christianity should influence the life of men in this 
world. It is the true life for the family, for the State, for 
society. Church membership, worship on the Sabbath, 
and subscription to a creed do not suffice for the Chris- 
tian life. Christianity must make a man a better hus- 
band, father and friend. It is not simply an assurance ot 
heaven when we die. The life of Jesus is for this world, 
for the state-house, the market-place, the factory, the kit- 
chen, and the parlor. Christianity is to win this world 
for Christ. The Kingdom of God is to come on earth as 
it is in heaven. Our Church has a message on the great 
practical problems of our day. If she is true to her past, 
she will make herself felt in every department of human 
activity for the betterment of the race. 

We have, accordingly, our home and foreign missions, 
our orphans homes, our educational institutions by which 
we hope to assist the spread of the Kingdom. We are 
only truly Reformed when we use these institutions for 



244 History of St. John's Reformed Church. 

Christian work, and through them build up the Kingdom 
of God. 

Have we a mission for the future? Let our 1,677 con- 
gregations answer, our 1,077 preachers, our 340,000 mem- 
bers, and our 18 educational institutions. We stand for 
the Christian training of 340,000 members. We are re- 
sponsible for the souls of thousands who have not yet 
found Christ. The mission of the Church is in our hands. 
The Reformed Church of the twentieth century will be 
what we make it. 

A week after the close of the anniversary, the pastor 
preached a sermon, an account of which v/as given in the 
Report the day after, April 30, 1900, as follows : 

*'As a fitting sequel to the recent fortieth anniversary 
of St. John's Reformed Church came tiie pastor's dis- 
course yesterday morning on The Future of St. John's.' 

'The text taken by the Rev. Henry H. Ranck, was 
Deut. 8:1, 2, the words spoken to the children of 
Israel after forty years' wandering in the wilderness, 
when they were about to cross the Jordan into Canaan — 
'All the commandments which I commanded thee this 
day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, 
and go in and possess the land which the Lord sware 
unto your fathers, and thou shalt remember all the way 
which the Lord thy God hath led thee these forty years 
in the wilderness, that He might humble thee, to prove 
thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou 
wouldst keep His commandments or no.' 

"The pastor took occasion to congratulate the congrega- 
tion on having completed forty years' history in an in- 
spiring and edifying anniversary, and commended the 
various societies, the Sunday-school and the members of 
the congregation individually for their liberality in having 
so very speedily liquidated the old church debt. 

"Words of appreciation were spoken, also, of the excel- 



The Fortieth Anniversary. 245 

lent work of the volunteer choir, of the ushers, and of 
the departments of the church's activity. Words of warn- 
ing were spoken, lest anyone should think that all the 
work was now done and that church members might rest 
at ease. *What has been accomplished is but an earnest 
for the future. Proper Christian work is only begun. 
There will be a whole eternity in which to rest ; therefore, 
work while it is called today, for the night cometh when 
no man can work.' 

**The relation of the past and the future was then dis- 
cussed. 'We must not ignore the past, or break with it. 
The future depends upon it. The training and experi- 
ence of the past is the proper guarantee for the ;future. 
"Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God 
hath led thee, to humble thee, to prove thee.'' We are not 
to think that the former days were necessarily better than 
those which follow. The true golden age is in the future, 
not in the past, and under God the world is getting better. 
There is danger, too, in resting for present success on the 
reputation of our fathers, or on the laurels which we won 
before. Men care little what we may have done in days 
gone by, they want to know what we can do now. Present 
worth is the test for present success. 

'' The past has been splendid and honorable, it should 
be remembered. While we should be anxious to care- 
fully record history, we ought to be more concerned in 
making history.' 

"The idea of the Reformed Church was then set forth, 
touching truth and activity. *We must not be slaves to 
past theories and practices. Our minds should be open 
to receive all new truth as it comes to us, and we should 
reform and adapt ourselves to the needs of our day and 
generation. 

"St. John's Church has done a good work in these 
forty years — piety, godliness and faithfulness have been 
nurtured, a dignified and reverential worship has been 



246 History of St. John's Reformed Church, 

cultivated, and the congregation has been one of the most 
liberal in the denomination in works of benevolence, hav- 
ing invariably been paying its apportionments for benevo- 
lence and standing by the best interests of the denomina- 
tion. The future policy of the Church will be in accord 
with its history, being free, however, to make such adap- 
tations as the needs of the Church and the good thereof 
may dictate/ 

"Emphasis was placed on keeping in touch with people 
generally with a view to influencing them for good and 
bringing them to Christ. 'The Church as the body of 
Christ is to work for the salvation of the world, its special 
work being to reach the unchurched of the community. 
As Christ had compassion on the multitude, so Christians 
must love and help their fellows, and with the power of 
divine compassion compel them to come in. To this end 
the services of the Church and Sunday-school must be 
made attractive, interesting and edifying, and the youth 
of the Church must be trained up to work in the vine- 
yard of the Lord. The talents which God has given us 
should be used to His glory. Every member should be 
faithful in work, punctual in attendance, and loyal to 
Christ and the Church. 

" 'St. John's Church must have a part m the work of 
reaching the 5,000 unchurched people of Lebanon. It 
stands for certain principles and has therefore a distinctive 
and peculiar work to do. Never in the congregation's 
history has the live membership been larger than at pres- 
ent. There is no dearth of means or culture. 

" 'The congregation has splendid properties, well lo- 
cated, and they are free of debt. The future is bright. 
With full consecration of the talents entrusted by God to 
us, a glorious work for the Master can be done. There- 
fore, "Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among 
thorns.^' When God calls, "Whom shall I send T' let every 
som respond, "Here am I ; send me." ' " 



INDEX. 

PAGE 

Almsgiving 163 

Annual, St. John's 118 

Apportionments 164 

Banner Stand 140 

Baptismal Font 77 

Bausman, Dr. Benjamin 74, 84 

Bell : 38 

Benevolence 162 

Bismarck Church 13 

Bomberger, Dr. J. H. A 30, 46 

Book Marks 157 

"Bright Light in the Clouds" 60 

Bright, Rev. H. W 114, 207 

Bromer, Rev. E. S 117, 206 

Building Church 29 

Chanting 131, 159 

Charter 20 

Amendments to 26, 27 

Charter Members 45, 176 

Choir 45, 159, 161 

Church Year 49, 157 

Civil War and St. John's 61, 129 

Coleman, W. R 36 

Communions 157 

Consecration of Church 43 

Constitution of Church 28 

Of Sunday-school 119 

Contingent Fund 155 

Corner-stone Laying 30 

Courier 10, 34 

Croll, Rev. P. C 207 

Cross on Steeple, etc 75, 156 

Current Expenses 154 

Dii-ectory Issued 118 

"Farewell Words" 68 

Fisher Bequest 89, 165 

Fisher, Rev. L C 10, 116, 206 

Fisher, T. D 45, 60 

Fortieth Anniversary 7, Chap. XX 

Gans, Dr. D 53, 139 

Gaul, Dr. C. L 207 

German Services 58 

Gloninger, Dr. J. W 19, 37, 67, 83, 89 

Gown 156 

Grace Church, Avon 14 

Ground Rent 29 

Grube Church 11 



PAGE 

Harbaugh, Dr. H g 

Criticism of Corner-stone Laying 35 

Called 40 

Acceptance 41 

Literary Labors 42, 58, 66 

Arrival in Lebanon 43 

Dedicatory Sermon , 43 

Installed 45 

Anniversary Sermon 47 

Parochial School 53 

Tercentenary Celebration 54 

German Services 58 

Third Parochial Report 59 

And Civil War 60-65 

And Lebanon Classis 64 

Jonestown Congregation 65 

Resignation 67 

"Farewell Words" 68 

Receives Album 68 

Resolutions on 69 

Anecdotes 69, 70 

Last Sickness 70 

"Hymns and Chants" 133 

Address on 215 

Harbaugh, Linn 10, 46 

Hiester, Dr. J. E 9, 65, 215 

Higbee, Dr. E. E 88 

Hill Church 11, 15 

"Howard Association" 80 

"Hymns and Chants" 131, 133 

Incorporation 20 

Introduction 7 

"Jesus ! I Live to Thee" 4, 66, 96 

Johnson, Rev. W. J. : 

Earlier Years 109 

Called 110 

Repairs Ill 

Liquidating Debt Ill 

Resignation 113 

Resolutions on 114 

Johnston, Dr. T, S 8, 71 

Parentage, etc 71 

In the Methodist Ministry 72 

In the Presbyterian Ministry 73 

Called 74 

Relation to Dr. Harbaugh 75 

Eighth Anniversary 75 

Twentieth Anniversary 77 

Resignation 77 

Resolutions on 78, 84 

"Howard Association," etc 80 

As Lecturer 80 

Poet 81 



PAGE 

School Director, etc 83 

Secretary of Foreign Missions 83 

Death 84 

Address on 226 

Jonestown Congregation 65 

Kelker Brothers 39 

Klopp, Dr. D. E 10, 110, 117 

Kraiise Legacy 130, 165 

Kremer, Dr. F. W 15, 17, 30, 46 

Lebanon Classis 17, 44, 174 

Lent 157, 164 

Liquidating Church Debts Ill 

Liturgies 46, 50, 157, 158 

Messenger 10, 34, 43, 90, 102 

Mortgage 112, 205 

Music 159 

Nevin, Dr. J. W 47 

Officers 18, 34, 40, Chap. XVIII 

Organ : 

Consecrated 50 

Reconstructed 76 

Improved 118 

Organists 159 

Origin of St. John's Church 15 

Parochial School 53 

Parsonage 67, 83, 89 

Pew Renting 154 

Prayer-meeting 61, 146, 151, 158 

"Prayers in Times of National Tumult" 63 

Presidents of Congregation 174 

Pulpit Bible 46 

Ranck, Rev. H. H. : 

Earlier Years 115 

Called 116 

Church Debt Cancelled 117 

Fortieth Anniversary 117 

Resignation 118 

On "Future of St. John's" 244 

Reconstructing Church 90 

Repairs 76, 111, 118 

Resser, Rev. G. B. : 

Help on History 9, 66, 69, 70 

Early Life and Labors 86, 87 

Called 88 

Building Parsonage 89 

Reconstructing Church 90 

Resignation 93 

Resolutions on 93 

Death 94 

Memorial Service 95 



Tributes : page 

By Dr. J. C. Bowman 96, 102 

By Dr. J. S. Kieflfer 102, 107 

By Hanover Consistory 108 

Anniversary Sermon by 208 

Richards, Prof. G. W 7, 208, 235 

Roll of Members Chap. XIX 

St. Marie's Church 13 

Schmaulj, Dr. T. E 10 

Seal 26 

Secretaries 174, 175 

Singing Classes 160 

Societies : 

Benevolent 146 

Ladies Aid 146, 147 

Mite 146, 147 

Dorcas 146 

Men's Mite 148 

Missionary 149 

Woman's Missionary 149 

Missionary Sewing 149 

Mission Band 150 

Young People's 150 

Men's Prayer-meeting 151 

C. E 151 

Jr. C. E 152 

Statistics 48, 59, 68, 75, 77, 79, 94, 114, 118, 132, 166 

Sunday-school 48, 59 

Constitution of 119 

Early History 123-133 

"Hymns and Chants" 133 

Departments 135 

Officers 135-139 

Instruction 139 

Music 140 

Library 130, 140 

Festivals 142 

Picnics 144 

Benevolence 145 

Sunday-school Hymnal 135, 140 

Tabor Church 12, 15 

Templeman, Conrad 11 

Templeman's Chapel 14 

Tercentenary Celebration 54, 55 

Offerings 58, 164 

Times 1^ 

Treasurers 174 

Wagner, Dr. Henry 45, 111 

Wagner, Dr. S. G 226 

Wolf, Rev. George 74 

Worship 156 

Wunderling, Rev 34 

"Youth in Earnest" 60 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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